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TODD'S BLOG
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Get RaceDay Ready
SETBACKS, DO THEY REALLY SUCK?
TWO OF THE LAST THREE YEARS, have started with solid setbacks. In each case, I thought all was lost. Then I remembered the...
... advice of my dear ol' grampappy.
My boy...
... it's not the problem it's how you handle it.
Hard words for a love struck 14 yr old, getting nowhere with his puppy love.
The key to that wisdom it not so much handling the problem as...
... having faith and getting started.
Not running away.
Not giving up.
As I sit here completely wiped out by some sort of bug, coughing my brains out, I've come the realization...
- I will get better
- I will enjoy this slothful moment
- I will resist to bounce back too early
... it's early January f' cryin' outloud.
Take this setback for what it is...
... an opportunity to reset.
That's what racers do.
Reset.
Improve.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
===
158.3 lbs (not a good way lo lose wight.)
10ish hrs sleep (9:15pm-7:30am)
0 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BORN FOR THIS
THE REASON I LIKE TO READ FICTION is simply to imagine myself in impossible situations. The inner dialogue of the hero of my current book, Jericho Quinn, was spot on...
... to how I feel about racing.
Can you relate to this?
"He knew he was born for the rough stuff. His heart never truly beat until it was going full bore."
Exactly how I every time the gun goes.
It can get me in trouble though.
Like right now, with this nagging, awful cough and headache.
It's been going all week.
Have I rested?
No.
Just been doing all I can to keep going...
... totally idiotic.
===
158.1 lbs (not a good way lo lose wight.)
9ish hrs sleep (9:15pm-6:30am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GGGGGGGGGOALLLLLLLLLLLLLS
GOALS CAN BE GREAT. I say "can" because, let's be honest they usually aren't. I have a theory about that and it starts with...
.... easy.
It is so easy to set a goal.
Crud...
... set 100 goals.
And, that's the problem.
We set 'em like there's...
- the no other goals
- no current commitments
- we have limitless bandwidth
... no impact on our lives.
Having a million goals...
... is like having no goals.
I try and keep it to...
- physical
- business
- social
- spiritual
... one big goal per year.
It's a heckuvalot easier to accomplish one thing than twenty.
And guess what...
... if it's a big enough goal, it might take 5,10, 20 years.
===
159.2 lbs (yes, this bug I have has evaporated my appetite)
9ish hrs sleep (9:30pm-6:15am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STYLE CUES
I THINK WE ALL HAVE A SENSE of cycling style. You know, what we think looks cool, and what we don't. At least, you should by now...
... unless you are brandspankingnew.
New kids are typically nervous and anxious...
- am I wearing the proper gear, 'cause I feel nearly naked
- do I look like Darth Vader with this helmet and glasses
- how tall should my socks be
... form and function questions.
Once acquainted with the options...
- looking cool
- being comfortable
- optimizing for speed
... start to take precedent.
Here's my general rules...
- gloves match shoes
- socks match jersey
- dark bibs
... all things being equal.
Which leaves the helmet, or helmets.
And this insane offer...
... buy a KASK helmet, get a FREE RaceDay Bag.
https://pedalindustries.com/a/bundles/kask-helmets-c5et
===
160.2 lbs
9ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-6:55am)
2 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE KILLER SNACK
HOW ABOUT THIS - a snack that needs no refrigeration, is a snap to prepare, gives an energy boost, and produces negative calories. How many
... would you consume per day?
Yes, there really is such a snack.
Proven by science...
- pull ups
- pushups
- deadlifts
- box jumps
are my go to's.
Personally, I like to enjoy one every 45-60 minutes...
- energy boost
- calorie burning
- improved cognitive function
... are legit benefits in less than 2 minutes.
I was reminded of this on Andrew Huberman's podcast...
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huberman-lab/id1545953110?i=1000682843685
... he's an actual scientist,
I'm just a dude who figures stuff out.
Note: not all scientists know what the heck they are talking about...
- study
- test it
- reject or incorporate
... it's called science for a reason - being 100% certain for all time ain't it.
===
160.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-555am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
PARTICIPATION AWARDS
THE LEGENDARY ATHLETE was returning to competition. It was to be a momentous year, documented professionally, all the world would know...
... he was back to bring them to heel.
What a dream.
After hiring a new..
- coach
- nutritionist
- top secret strength doctor
... there was one beautiful medal to show for all the effort.
Not bronze,
silver, or
gold.
A beautiful finisher's medal.
Not what he, his family or sponsors had hoped for.
Here's the dill...
... every time we battle, we have a chance to learn and improve.
Finishing,
is where
it starts.
===
161.4 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-555am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TOO EARLY?
WELL, TODAY WAS DEFINITELY the best ride of the year. Chilly start, dust down, trails open for blasting...
... the bar has been set.
It wasn't just the conditions.
The route entailed...
- fast gravel
- twisty single track
- plus, pack dynamics
... all the things I love.
And, of course, my pals.
- Love Watts and I rolled at 7am.
- Hooked up with CV, local group road ride, at 8:50 am.
- Back to dirt, with Chuckles, Zone 2, and Mrs. Smith, around 9:30ish.
The rig of choice...
... the Crux, with RaceKing 2.0s.
What could make this ride even better?
Oh, I have an answer.
A forgotten trail was bulldozed during fire season...
- it'll add another 1000' of climbing
- sneak through penal a colony
- miles of single track
... and will pour us out at my favorite country store, for a Coke and chips.
We have 360 days to find the perfect ride...
... 2025 is off to a heckuva start.
===
159.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-555am)
1 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts BoxJumps
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOOOOOO, NOT ZONE 1!
IF YOU'RE DRIVEN, and you probably are if you're a regular reader, seeing zone 1 on the training plan...
... is laughable.
We don't even know what that is.
We try to do it,
see the numbers.
Think, That's not going to help...
... awwwww, skrewit!
I have a solution.
It came to me on today's ride.
First, there was the absurdly long skid in the dirt...
- speed up
- back brake locked
- back wheel as unweighted as possible.
... just to see how long I could get it.
Then, the idea to jump onto and back off of every curb possible.
There was more.
My favorite was weaving the extensive traffic cones as long as possible without touching brakes or pedals.
90 minutes later, I coulda cared less about zone 1...
... I was in zone fun.
===
160.3 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:30pm-5:55am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
MY BIKE TOTALLY GOT AWAY FROM ME
CLEARING THE TOP OF THE CLIMB, I was leaning to initiate a turn back towards home. Not sure if I hit a rock, or what, but next thing I know...
... I'm on a different trajectory.
Was it meant to be?
I mean...
- not a cloud in the sky
- nobody on the trails
- crazy warm day
... geez.
Why such a hurry to get back?
Why not go straight up the the trail to the country store...
... for an ice cream bar?
Some turns really are for the better.
===
160.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9pm-530am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts BoxJumps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO THE UNTHINKABLE
HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO THE UNTHINKABLE, when it's unthinkable? Talk about a paradox. What it really means is...
... go way beyond the comfortable.
The great Wende Cragg captured the unthinkable...
- riding to a mountain top under a full-moon to watch the sunrise
- coaster brakes so hot they smoke after a downhill
- helmetlessly racing klunkers in jeans
... the birth of mountain biking.
50 years ago, her Pentax camera, snapped and preserved everything those...
... crazy pioneers were living.
The lifestyle.
Her documentary - click here - is as inspirational as it is mesmerizing.
Watch it.
It's got me thinking it might be a wholotta fun to get the hard training done M-F, and...
... use that fitness for adventure on the weekend.
===
162.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (1030pm-530am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY I DID 100 PULLUPS, 190 PUSH UPS, 53 BULGARIAN SPLIT SQUATS TO CLOSE OUT THE YEAR
IF WE'RE GONNA BEGIN THE YEAR pretending we are committed to some outlandish new start, I figured I might as well end 2024 with...
... a ridiculous challenge.
I can look back and say If I could do that thing...
... I sure as heck can do this, too.
That's called stacking confidence.
At 6:45 this morning, I decided to do 100 pull ups today.
A first,
by a lot.
Since my normal m.o. 3x on the pushups, that'd 300.
And, I figured I might as well add 3-loaded Bulgarian split squats for every pull up, for 300 per leg.
Sounded doable at 6:45.
I'd just take a break every 30 minutes and bang out a round of the three moves.
It got hard,
the 30 minute goal drifted.
I learned...
- breaking up the day = hustle, productivity
- found my split squat limit to be 60 lb dumbell in each hand
- muscles felt awesome through 8 rotations
- posture is great
- these are better than smoke breaks
- got hungry, ate more than normal
- 30 min goes fast, aware of time waste
- required 12.5 hours to complete
... I can still do hard things.
PullUp 16,200 pounds
PushUp 30,780 pounds
Split Squat 2,029 pounds
Now, what to get done in 2025?
Happy New Year Y'all
===
162 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (1030pm-530am)
100 PullUps 190 PushUps 53 DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SECRET SAUCE NOBODY TRIES
DID YOU PICK UP A TRAINING SECRET this year? From a book or podcast or YouTube? Accidentally overhear the local coach...
... whispering truth to an athlete?
I bet you did.
But, that's not the real question.
The real question is did you, yes you, or I, yes me...
... do anything about it?
Because what is the point to...
- look
- listen
- and learn
... if we're not going to at the very least give it a whirl?
After trying and testing...
- the Classified 2-speed hub
- even more calories when racing
- mountain bike tires on the gravel bike
... these are my top 3 secrets of the year.
What are yours?
===
164 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (11pm-7am)
PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
IF WE'RE GONNA GO BIG WE OUGHTA GO BIG
--- one of my favorites of the year ---
TODAY, I THINK I MIGHT HAVE TURNED THE CORNER. I'm mid-way through my experiment to train like Remco...
... 3 weeks of (for me) massive volume.
Last Saturday, end of week #1, I was pretty tired during the final miles of a 5 hour ride.
Exhaustion lasted through Sunday.
Monday the legs were oooof.
But, Tuesday, I felt pretty darn good...
... at the end of a hilly and peppy 60 miles.
With a cramped day, the only way I could stay on schedule Wednesday was to do two-a-days.
- Sunrise, 90 minutes of steepish climbs at moderate pace.
- PullUps, PushUps and Squats through the day.
- Evening, 2 hours of high Zone 2 rolling terrain.
... it was that second session on the bike where things were clicking.
I felt stong.
Even fresh.
3 days down,
9 hours saddle time.
Should be able to hit 18-20 hours by end of day Saturday.
It's a lot to juggle...
- solid days of work
- helping the kids with their kids
- and being present for Surfergirl
... wouldn't do this forever.
Fun to experiment.
Feeling might dawgawn fortunate.
===
162.4 lbs
15 hrs sleep (i really do have the flu)
No Strength
00 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
RULES FOR FEELING SICK
HAVING COLD OR FLU SYMPTOMS is always a tough one for me and begs the question should I exercise today? If I do, I might get worse or...
... I might speed up the process of getting better.
My general rules...
- above the neck, ride like heck.
- in the chest, better rest
... but, they didn't help me today.
Because I was just so determined that the fact I work up sweating was due to the heater was too high, and I wanted oh so badly to ride with the fellas...
... I headed out.
Instead of feeling a lot better post ride,
I cut the ride short.
The collapsed on the couch,
after paying my dues kneeling in the bathroom.
I guess I'll add to the rules above...
... running a fever, don't be an overachiever.
===
164.5 lbs
7Ish hrs sleep (10:30 pm-5:45am)
No Strength
00 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU ARE NOT A BODY BUILDER
FUN FACTOID, weight machines at the gym were developed by body builders for body building. Each machine can dial in a certain muscle to make it bigger...
... we are not body builders.
We do not want muscles that don't serve a purpose...
... might was well be a stack of tires around our gut.
You know what else we don't want..
... injuries.
I know what you're thinking.
What the heck does the Ol' Diesel know about strength?
Well, quite a bit...
- testing
- reading
- experience
... has proven to me what works.
Here's the dill...
- low reps (1-3)
- max weight (90-100% of max)
- almost every day of the week (4-5 days)
- lots of rest between sets (complete recovery)
- multiple joint movements (squats are 3 joints)
... on getting strong with minimal to no weight gain.
Take it easy.
Get a pro to help you with form, because you can do this...
... with minimal equipment from home.
===
Disclaimer - any and all advice is just stuff I've tried and worked for me and is not professional or medical.
===
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU FAILING ENOUGH?
WHY DO SOME PEOPLE ACT LIKE there is a gigantic barrier between courage and discretion. There's not. It's a fine line. If we are to improve by any measurable amount...
... we must balance precariously and charge forth.
This is truth.
Failure is going to happen when...
- going for an impossible PR
- experimenting with new training
- carving the curves so hard we start to slide
... if we are going to improve.
Why?
Because failure gives us that needed feedback to...
... learn what we need to learn to improve.
Now don't go doing some idiotic Evilknevil stunt.
But, push.
Push a lot.
Every failure teaches us,
we adjust,
improve.
So push.
Push through...
- fear
- pain
- limits
... and reach our next impossible.
As the great Tom Watson, founder of IBM at the time the premier computing company on the planet, preached to his engineers...
... Fail faster.
===
We have 5 days to ride the New Year's Resolution madness, and all year to make it happen.
===
162.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps only
5 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHOSE WATTS ARE THOSE?
ON MY WAY HOME from the local ride of destruction, I was thinking about the amount of watts the fellows were putting out and how destroyed I felt...
... how could I quantify that?
I know my numbers,
I don't know theirs.
I know how I felt,
I don't know how they felt.
Back in the day...
... I'd visualize my head on my favorite pro's body.
Crushing all comers...
- What would be be like to put out Pojacar power and escape tens of miles from the finish?
- How about a Cav-like explosion sprinting for the line?
- Or, the surge and surf stomping of the bunch by the great Sagan?
... like a boss.
Playing that game of imaging what would Pogi or Cav or Peto do is...
... a great way to take on the unconquerable challenge,
and kinda sorta maybe put out some inspired watts of our own.
---
162.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps Squats
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I HEARD THE BELLS
RIDING ALONE IN THE FOREST can be dangerous. The low hanging branches, hidden roots and rocks, and...
... the occasional wild animal.
Not the bunnies,
squirrels
or deer.
No danger there.
I'm talkin'...
- bear
- moose
- cougars
... the big, mean and hungry ones.
So, we blissfully mount bells on are bikes.
Which reminds me of the great Ray Bradbury's book, Something Wicked Comes This Way.
One of the characters, Mr. Dark, is confronted with the carol I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day.
My favorite verse:
God is not dead nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.
Ain't nothing like a peaceful ride through the forest.
---
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-5:45am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ELVES ARE DONE
WELL, I'M TUCKERED. The machines are tuckered. The many hands that make the magic happen are worn and achy. We're shuttin' 'er down for a couple of days...
... even elves gotta have an off season.
But, here's the dill.
The things we really want...
- speed
- power
- time
... we can't purchase.
The things we can purchase...
- equipment
- apparel
- trips
... we'd be embarrassed to task to a loved one.
We gotta be our own elves.
So, pretend your tapped on the cash...
... how are you going to get more speed, power, time?
Imagine it's spring time,
you're toeing the line...
- fit
- taught
- relaxed
... what's it gonna take?
Write it down,
wrap it up.
Give yourself a real gift.
Better yet,
give it to a friend or family member.
---
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-5:45am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HE'S MAKING HIS LIST
THE POWER OF A CHECK LIST is awesome. Not ticking the boxes, for that quick hit of dopamine, there is something even better than...
... getting it done.
Which is the point.
For me, the real power is in the creation of a list.
Exploring and considering...
- each and every angle
- what is needed
- what is fluff
... and building an empowering list.
It's harder than it looks.
But, done correctly...
... discipline is replaced with love and urgency.
Checking the box is dessert...
... one we can enjoy each and every day.
---
That pic is literally a page from the RaceDay Ready Journal.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/raceday-ready-100-day-journal
---
163.1 lbs
9ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-7:20am)
PullUps PushUps Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE WATTS WILL COME
ROLLED OUT WITH A DEVILISH PLAN for myself. After 3 months of goofin' around, it was time to warm up the glow plugs on the Ol' Diesel. Nothing like...
... tickling zone 5 with the ticker.
Here's how weak I am.
Never in a millionkazillion years could I will myself push over 175 bpm...
- not for fun
- not for a coach
- not doing intervals
... I need to set up something stupid.
Like mashing the mammoth 50mm MTB tires,
with 20 lbs of pressure,
on the gravel bike...
... out to the local throwdown.
It was 25 minutes of pure, paved ecstasy.
Sandwiched in between 90 minutes of dirt, before and after.
Not much.
But, a start.
Time to begin upping the saddle time,
and sprinkling in a dash of intensity.
No need to hurry,
just stay consistent.
Keep doing the strength stuff.
If you build it...
... the watts will come.
---
163.9 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-5:30am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OUR BEAST OF BURDEN
A FRIEND WAS GOING ON AN ON about how his brother had totally failed. The brother had committed to take his lifestyle to the next level. It wasn't going to be enough to get by...
... he wanted to live at the highest levels possible.
Did he make it?
You be the judge.
From where I was sitting, the brother truly had committed.
The results were easy to see...
- health firing
- family thriving
- business providing
- relationship with God and man aligned
... what more is there?
The friend could only see the missteps and shortcomings of his brother.
I think the point of putting ourselves out there, is to...
- be an example
- be held accountable
- show how we deal with failure
... and hopefully inspire others along the way.
Haters think it is an I'm better than you thing instead of the more simple...
... I'm doing my best, and appreciate your encouragement.
Truth is, commitment...
... is our beast of burden.
---
Every day builds on the next...
... this hat is a good reminder.
Ships FREE, order by 12.24
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat
---
163.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats n Such
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DESCEND LIKE A PRO
MY FRIEND MIKE has gotten the bug. Not wanting to deal with cars the went the dirt route, in the form of an MTB. He loves it, but...
... is legitimately concerned with crashing.
Legitimate in the form of...
... what we think about we bring about.
Fancying myself as somewhat of an expert,
I gave him this advice...
- Firm grip on the bars
- Arms looseygoosey
- Eyes/head up
... plus, have fun, confidence will follow.
The thing is,
we can apply that advice to literally anything.
Raising kids...
- Firm grip on getting them pointed in the right direction
- Arms ready to guide if needed or asked for
- Eyes/head monitoring their surroundings
Business/work...
- Firm grip on goals/objectives
- Loose on the how it gets done
- Eyes/head focused on where we're headed
Our next race...
- Get registered
- Plan the training
- Visualize the finish line
Come to think about it,
I wrote a book about that.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
166 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO RIDE?
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO RIDE? There are a million factors. At least we aren't too weather dependent, and we have the great outdoors as our playground. Compared to other activities...
... we got options.
My favorite is late morning...
- warmer
- sunshine
- break up the work day
... it's almost always alone.
Which is fine, but it can be risky...
... out in the wild.
Take today.
I didn't line up the turn up quite right,
took a stick to the face,
nearly in the eye!
Coulda been way worse.
Way.
Dusted myself off and rode on
decided to chill on the lovely
middle of nowhere
lawn chairs.
And count my lucky stars.
Which reminds me of the wonderful Christmas movie, The Shining...
... all workout and no reflection makes Jack a dull boy.
A good break in the action,
keeps us sharp.
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats & stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN YOU CAN'T DO WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE
WE THINK WE'LL ALWAYS BE ABLE TO DO WHAT WE LOVE. I remember specifically thinking after one particularly surprising race result...
... I could do this forever.
How does the saying go?
If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.
He must have been dying on Monday.
There I was...
- in a beautiful part of the country
- hero dirt from the recent rain
- expansive, gorgeous views
... and I was battling double-vision.
For whatever reason, I took a huge step backwards in my recovery from my brain injury.
I couldn't dive bomb the downhills.
I couldn't do what I've always done.
Did it suck?
Yeah, totally.
Did I quit?
Not even.
I slowed down, and did what I could do.
Which turned out to be an echo from an elderly spiritual leader who was assessing his final year or two of life, who said those exact words.
Doing what he could do.
Am I freaked out?
Not yet.
First off, I called my friend Rick the behavioral ophthalmologist (think PT for you eyes).
We talked about how I'd laid off doing the exercises he'd given me when I was first injured.
In fact, I did the most basic one right away, because I only have the most basic tool on me, and almost immediately noticed an improvement.
Next, I called my surgeon's office. The NP called me back and suggested I go on a steroid for 5 days to ease any post-surgery swelling that can occur, even months later.
Tomorrow, I'll get back to the more vigorous eye exercises.
Doing what I can do, and hopefully...
... back to what I've always done.
---
166.8 lbs (not really sure, on a trip)
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6am)
Push Ups (doing all I could do while vanning it)
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
re: IS IT WORTH THE SACRIFICE?
Dear Ol' Diesel,
I'm still trying to figure it out Todd. I check in on one thing for a few years and then I'll switch gears, etc.
2025 I've got no endurance plans...biggest focus is strength training 5/6 days per week.
Is this lack of dedication?
Is this why i never quite seem to get my goals?
Is it enough that I attempt which is more than 99.9999% of folks can say?
I dunno man, still in search of answers. But I will tell you my want for endurance is absent.
I don't want to get up early for a ride
I don't want to get up early for a run
Heck I don't really want to do any of those things right now.
I do want to spend a little extra time with the better half
I do want to slow down a moment and enjoy or take in this new reality of empty nesters...
Does this make me lazy? I worry I'm losing my edge.
Thank you for always sharing your thoughts,
I Just Wanna Be Strong In LA.
---
Dear I Just Wanna Be Strong In LA,
Haha… no, you are doing great. Take a break. Spend time with your wife. We love our kids, and we love being emptynesters. Super fun, lots of flexibility.
I’d say this, don’t train unless it sounds fun.
We are on a quick trip up the coast. Just the two of us. Rode with Susie until she was ready to rest, then rode a bit on my own. No hurry, no rush, no care to do X work out.
Now, I’m in the hotel room catching up and she is in the Jacuzzi.
Life is short, wives are more important than miles… and besides, they like us with a little muscle.
IMHO, you're on the right track.
Love ya!
The Ol' Diesel
---
166.8 lbs (not really sure, on a trip)
9ish hrs sleep 830pm-5:30am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS IT WORTH THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
166.8 lbs (too much recovery fuel?)
8ish hrs sleep 10pm-6:04am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
>
GETTING HIGH
NEARLY 6000' IN 32 MILES represents a good amount of climbing. Mostly straight up or straight down, on dirt. At about the 2 hour mark...
... I hit the highest point.
A few miles prior, a thought occurred to me.
If something bad happens,
I'm a long, long, long way from help.
The tires are new,
sealant fresh,
new chain,
cassette.
And, I was feeling pretty good...
... check, check, check and more checks.
Carry on,
enjoy the views,
and lack of humanity.
A bobcat appeared on the trail about 20 yards ahead of me,
it made a quick u-turn and loped along as I closed in,
before lunging over the side into the brush.
The red-tailed hawk surfed the gusty ridge,
searching for pray.
Chipmunks sprinted up and down the ancient pines.
Nature really does rock my world.
This mountain range is about a 35 minute drive from home.
I used to live closer,
and spent almost every Saturday up there, alone.
Looks like I've started the new year's resolution to adventure something new or different at least once a quarter...
... resolutions are kinda dumb.
Why wait?
As the great Yoda said...
... Do, or do not.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep 10pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I CHOSE THIS?!
THE BROCHURE PROMISED A CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE, everything would be tested. Yeah, all the mind, body, spirt stuff. Plus...
... every ounce of perseverence.
I salivated.
Months of prep were stacked,
when the date came,
I was ready...
... I thought.
But, then shift got real.
Way harder than I expected.
The sections with the group were hard,
we encouraged each other.
When it got really difficult,
nature split us up.
The loneliness was brutal.
I knew, hoped, we'd regroup when the elements eased.
Work together.
Get 'er done.
Crazy as it sounds,
getting towards the end,
I thought I'd gladly do it again.
Winning didn't matter,
completing the mission did...
... and, yeah, those hands were gonna be raised regardless of place.
Crossing the finish line,
to my surprise and delight...
... was my dad,
my creator.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags.
---
163.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-6:27am)
PullUps Push Ups
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST ON BIKE WORKOUT EVER?
THERE ARE A LOT WAYS to get stronger and off the bike. Routines, fads, and trends come and go. For my money...
... nothing beats a singlespeed mountain bike.
I built one up because it was fashionable.
Little did I know how addicting the workout would be,
how much I would love riding it.
It was like battling a bipolar bull...
- docile spinning along the flats
- UFC cage fighting any time it got steep
... and it worked perfectly.
At the time, cycling had been quarantined to a few days during the week because weekends were family time in the desert riding motorcycles.
My spin stayed smooth due to the fixed gear range - it wasn't a fixed gear, I could coast.
In order to get up the constantly changing elevations...
- legs
- arms
- lats
- back
... were all recruited and magnificently engaged.
No need for weights or any kind of resistance training.
It was basically going from one interval to the next, with luxurious spinning in between.
As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of the ol' Trek hardtail.
Dusty.
In the garage.
Maybe it's time to spend the least dollars possible and...
... make strength training fun and sexy again.
---
164 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU BORING YOURSELF?
IS NEXT YEAR GONNA BE BETTER THAN THIS YEAR? It'll be different, for sure. Better is subjective, only you can determine...
... if it will be a year to remember.
We need new...
- locations
- friends
- events
- skills
... experiences that will change us.
Memorable,
forever.
As I start to fill in my calendar for next year,
it's tempting to play small,
safe...
... instead I do this.
First, I have to have one giant, unreasonable physical goal each year. (spiritual, mental, and social, too).
2024 it was Gravel Nats.
Next year (2025) hasn't crystalized yet, but it will.
Second, I think it's imperative to try a new event once a quarter.
Right now, it's looking like...
- March BWR AZ
- April Highlands Gravel (UCI)
- June BWR MT
- 4th Qtr is TBD
... it doesn't have to be fancy, could just be a weekend adventure someplace new.
Third, master something new, and have a plan to track progress.
For 2025, that is going to be bicycle mechanicing.
By the end of the year, I want to be able to do everything at a level that I could bail myself out if I was nowhere near a competent mechanic.
I'll be adding milestones to the calendar for that, and purchasing the proper tools.
There lots of other stuff on the calendar...
- date nights
- family activities
- work objectives
- service projects
... gotta make it all work cohesively.
Back in 2020 I set about getting out to the Cactus Cup for the first time.
I met a bunch of cool people, and made new friends.
Rode some fantastic and unusual terrain.
Found an outstanding Italian joint.
Cactus Cup stays in the rotation...
... I never would have found it if I hadn't ventured out.
They're having the 12 Days of Giveaways starting 12.12...
... I hope you'll win this bag, and join me out there.
---
Side note:
- I'm planning to do BWR AZ and stay the week in the desert for Cactus Cup the following weekend. If ya get out there for either one, let's meet up for sure.
- I'm also planning BWR UT, in May, and heading to Fruita/Moab the days following for some epic MTB. Lemme know if you're interested in joining.
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5:55am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE THUNDER
LOOKING FOR SOME BACKGROUND VIBES, I loaded up a Goettl Media raw file of BWR Arizona 2024. It was supposed to be my first A race of last year, but..
... life had other plans.
It's never too early to start doing recon.
I like Joe's videos because...
- the POV is always really good
- his comments teach a lot
- he's super respectful
.... in other words, he's a good dude.
Turning away from the big screen to get some work done it struck me how much...
... a race at speed sounds like thunder.
Especially the gravel sections.
I got so electrified,
I ditched the project,
and dug into examining the terrain.
Joe raced the long version, the Waffle.
I'll most likely do the shorter Wafer.
From the looks of it,
I think this terrain will call for the Race King 2.0s...
- lots of sand
- some rocks
- whoops
... means it's gonna be a hoot.
Can't wait for my next thunder storm.
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EASY DAYS AND HARD DAYS ALWAYS
I WAS LISTENING TO A PODCAST with the superfamous coach of an ultrafamous racer, and the host, trying to dumb it down for us dummies, asked...
... What's the one piece of advice you'd give an amateur racer?
He had me on bearings and spokes.
Train easier.
What do you mean?
I mean most amateurs are doing too much.
Isn't that the way to get better?
No. I mean Yes, but no.
Explain.
If an athlete is training too hard all the time, and by too hard I don't mean to exhaustion, but, at a level that will not allow them recover, really recover, then they can't...
... go really hard, and get the big gains.
I thought about that today as...
- miles rolled by
- watts low
- h.r. lower
... my mind open and free.
That advice is easy to understand, hard to thoroughly absorb.
It feels wasteful.
Useless.
And so we ignore it,
to our detriment.
Being that it's a Monday, I tweaked the great Karen Carpenter's song...
... Easy days and hard days always get me fit.
This works for work, too.
There are days I'm resting, prepping, organizing...
... and days I'm slaying it with back to back to back appointments.
---
165.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COASTING IN
AS WE WIND DOWN THE YEAR, few of us are racing. Personally, having backed down the miles I'm feeling really fresh and spunky, which reminds me about...
... what I love about tapering.
Sure, there's the reduced miles and training and all the good feelings that come with that, but there's something else and if we're doing it right...
... is a huge benefit.
Because all the fatigue is leaving our bodies we not only start to feel really good, we have time to reflect on how we got here...
... all the work we've put in.
The result is where once we were tired, questioning out motivations and our capabilities....
... now we are confident.
Confidence is key to...
... ripping on raceday.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DRIVIN' THAT TRAIN
THE PROBLEM WITH CORROSION isn't the corrosiveness itself. That's bad, for sure. But, I find the real problem is...
... it comes on so slowly.
Then, catastrophic failure.
Because I've been neglecting my trusty MTB all year, well, basically for two all years...
... I was caught out, bad.
"All of the sudden",
my shifting was shift.
It wasn't really sudden.
For months the shifting had been off, but...
... just good enough to put away and forget about.
It had reached the point of no return.
Irreparable damage had been done.
Rather than simply replacing the chain in a timely manner,
an easy home repair,
at little cost...
... I had to get a divorce,
and a hot, new, young,
complete drivetrain.
Costly.
It's just a drivetrain,
not something that really matters...
... those things deserve immediate, constant loving maintenance.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE IS LITERALLY NO SCHOOL FOR THIS
WE'RE ALL OUT THERE ENDURING, and it's like we have no compass, no gps, no no map, no field manual. There is no associates, four year, masters, or doctorate degree...
... and yet, somehow experts evolve.
Oh, there's the occasional book.
Usually so filled with jargon and graphs they are worthless, but boy...
... the authors sure look smart.
So, we rely on our...
- inner voice
- experience
- friends
... and get to work like mad scientists.
We can and do glean much from...
- watching races
- podcasts
- youtube
... then, we do our best to put it into practice on the next ride, run, swim.
Kinda makes ya wonder if...
- Jobs
- Ford
- Edison
... were just having fun, fascinated with figuring out what was possible?
---
Got a friend who's a Triathlete or Runner?
Blow their minds with a sport specific RaceDay Bag.
Use this code and save 20%: TRIRUN
Good ONLY on in stock Tri and Run bags.
---
165.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:45am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE WORST GOAL EVER
ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, I set two lofty goals. One I accomplished, one I fell far short of. What was the difference between...
... success and failure?
Both seemed outrageous at the time.
They still do.
I each case, I knew everything would have to go perfectly in order to get anywhere near what I wanted to accomplish.
The one I attained, everything did go perfectly.
I went about my business,
mission accomplished.
The one I muffed, a massive unforeseeable mountain in the road popped up.
It was such a kick in the front of my bib shorts where my legs come together,
that it was mentally and physically debilitating.
Months later, unforeseeable mountain turned to gopher mound, I'm back on track.
There's all the fancy platitudes of goals...
- goal unwritten is a hope
- goals must be believable
- goals should be realistic
... we could go on and on.
But, I'm not sure that's the point.
Really.
Having the guts to...
- set an outlandish goal
- share it with real allies, not punks who puke on our dreams
- and take massive action
... is the lifeblood of everything I do.
Failure.
Success.
They matter, but not nearly as much what occurs...
... in the process of going after personal excellence.
===
We could wait until 1.1.25 to think, start, plan...
... or, we could grab a calendar and get down to business.
https://pedalindustries.com/calendar
---
166.4 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DECEMBER'S FOCUS AND AN EXPERIMENT
THIS MONTH'S FOCUS ISN'T FOR BABIES. Babies crawl, make a mess of their food, and are on a quest to get fat. I'm not. Are you? I'm looking to...
... start the year on fire.
For December...
- LSD, not tripping, long slow distance
- Strength work
- Weight loss
... this is my focus.
That should have me in prime shape to hit it hard in Jan and Feb.
Two months to prep for the first races,
BWR AZ and Cactus Cup.
For Jan and Feb, I'm planning an experiment...
- Tues/Wed back to back intensity days, with long tempo on Saturday
- Tues/Sat intensity, with zone 1/2 days in between
... for alternating weeks to build race specific fitness.
The intensity for BWR's start and dynamic surges,
the tempo for Cactus Cup's old school XC race.
Should be fun.
No,
really,
it should be fun.
Just gotta nail December to be hammering in March.
---
167.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RULE OF 3
NEW AND FIRED UP, I jumped full speed into the road scene. Since all I'd done was road race, I was one hundred million percent sure...
... I was born to race road.
While I shamelessly slobbered, the old wise man at the bike shop tried to duck.
When I stopped to breathe, he said...
... Sonny you don't know you lycra covered butt from a pothole!.
Huh?
Listen up, buttercup.
Gulp.
It takes three full years...
... to know what you're good at.
But...
But nothing, now get outta here and go to work.
He was right.
By the end of that first year, I realized I was a much better crit racer.
So, I focused on crits for the next two years.
When I found mountain biking,
I was sure I'd be a cross country racer.
Turned out,
I was a much better descender than climber.
When I finally got a gravel bike,
I was sure I'd just use it to mix up the training.
Turns out,
it's actually pretty darn fun to race gravel.
There's nothing magical about the three years...
... it's the three years of working at getting better that matters.
Oh, and before you quote the 10,000 hour rule, think on this.
There are 26,297.46 hours in 3 years, which is kinda like saying...
... if you live, eat and breathe anything for 3 years, magic happens.
Now get to work!
---
168.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10pm-5am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S THE DATA DUMMY
I DO LOVE ME SOME DATA. In this vast digital world, there's plenty of it to access, crunch, and geek out on. The only question I have is...
... why? what? how? when?
It's more than what the Garwahoo is delivering.
That little screen can be divided so small the numbers become trivial, useless.
Then we can dissect it all on Starva, Training Peaks, etc.
Which brings up the question?
Do we.
And, if we do, what are we to make of it?
It is so tempting to wing it.
And, why wouldn't it be? That's how it was done from Adam till now.
Gut feel.
But, I had some sense knocked into me today.
Realizing inventory was running low on our gloves and socks, I was about to wing it on a replenishment production run.
Wait, why not pull a report?
Takes a few seconds.
Data don't lie.
And, whadaya know...
... winging it was not the way to go.
The thing about all the Garwahoo data is there's just a heckuva lot of it. We could...
- read a ton
- take some classes
- pester the nerd that rides
... or hire a coach, let a pro figure it out and tell us what to do.
I'm not for winging it,
and I'm not for outsourcing it...
... I'm more for figuring out what the data means.
Empowering myself.
---
167.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps & more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT SUITS US
ARE RUNNERS BETTER WRITERS or are there just more runners and therefore more writers that run...
... leading to a larger talent pool?
Christopher McDougall's Born To Run is probably my favorite running book.
Inspiring.
It got me to run.
Trail running for miles.
His book, Natural Born Heroes, got me totally into strength work because...
... the heroes were so naturally strong and lethal.
Jesse Itzler is a runner.
His book Living With A Seal is hilarious, and wildly challenges our limited beliefs about what we can accomplish.
Here are a few gems from my latest find...
- The most important thing we ever learn in school is that the most important things can't be learned at school.
- With my mind elsewhere I'm able to run for a long while, keeping up a natural speed that doesn't tire me out.
- There are three reasons I failed. Not enough training. Not enough training. And not enough training.
... from What I Think About When I Talk About Running.
For me, it's not so much the running that is compelling, but the book's ability to help me understand...
... why I love riding, and enduring.
How about you...
... got any faves?
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (11pm-6:05am)
PullUps PushUps
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I'LL RACE YOU TO THE CORNER
AT SOME POINT, and it doesn't have to be now, but it will happen soon enough, we wake from our hibernation. Something stirs, and in disgust with our gluttony and laziness...
... we show our puffy faces.
It happened for me today.
I thought I could postpone it a few more weeks,
but there I was meeting at the start
of a ferocious ride.
The ride down was lovely.
Seeing the fellas, charming.
Even the first little climb
showed some promise.
It ended there.
My ballast keeping me grounded.
Basically, I made it to the first corner.
Now, I have a baseline.
And, it wasn't all bad.
I was only two seconds off my PR on that 6ish minute effort.
Things quickly went downhill after that.
Like, really fast...
... errrr, really sluggish.
On the next section I was 3 minutes off the pace.
20, TWENTY!, % slower.
I pulled the plug at that point,
proudly did the lonely ride of shame back to the van.
This Thanksgiving weekend, I am darn...
... thankful to have the desire to improve.
'Cause when desire goes,
when there's no more fire,
then what do we really have?
Gonna make to the second corner next time!
===
In between Black Friday and Cyber Monday are...
... Get your overstretched lycra in gear Saturday and Sunday.
Since some of ya pointed out the code wasn't working perfectly, I extended through Sunday.
TNX24 will save ya 20%.
That is if you're relating to my admission of bottoming out and still reading.
Which thrills the heck outta me.
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:15pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SATURDAY TRADITIONS
AT DINNER WITH THE FAM, I asked What was your most memorable Christmas gift? The kids are adults now, I was curious what they'd answer. I knew exactly what mine was...
... the moment the words left my mouth.
What surprised me however,
was Surfergirl's answer.
My bike, it definitely wasn't new, and I didn't care. It was freedom, we'd roam the streets of Kailua, and all to go the donut shop on Saturday mornings.
That surprised me.
Not the donuts.
Not the pre-ownedness.
I've asked myself a million times...
What did Surfergirl see in me way back when,
What does she see in me now,
... maybe she saw a kindred roamer?
Because, I was doing the exact same thing on my Stingray...
... roaming the streets and dirt lots with my pals on Saturday mornings.
Still am.
Oh, my favorite Christmas gift?
The red Schwinn Le Tour I drooled over when my mom's boyfriend took me to Fullerton bikes. I imagined myself flying up the hills and traveling great distances...
... shocked me to see it with a bow.
Wish I'd kept it.
---
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:10am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE KNOWLEDGE CHEAT CODE
MOST PEOPLE don't know this. Some do, like the great Steve Jobs. Meanwhile, we have this amazing cheat code...
... for insider knowledge.
Take today's ride.
Love Watts brought his wife's best friend's husband, and let me know he's a triathlete.
Here's the beauty of riding with someone.
Because when his wife's best friend's husband told me he was brand new to the gravel scene, I thought...
... Oh boy! This cat is gonna get wrecked once we hit the dirt.
Nope.
Dude can shred.
Guess what else?
My friend's wife's best friend's husband, who had been to our town many times, had no idea how amazing the gravel riding could be here in "suburbia".
Quite canyons.
Canopied trees.
Miles of single track.
What Steve Job's knew is if he went on a long walk with someone he could really get to know them.
It's the same with us.
While humanity zips around in cars...
... we go for ride, run or swim and get to know humans
and the places they live.
===
Black Friday.
I see all the unbelievable sales and savings, and sometimes I wonder..
- is it something a company does when the import gear made with slave labor in China?
- are my competitors that desperate?
- if it's such a great strategy, why don't the greatest brands like Apple, Cervelo, Tesla, Belgian Waffle Ride, Luis Vuitton, Kask, Tiffany, do it?
... seems like a good way to cheapen, destroy a brand.
But, what if it's a way to reward the loyal, cult following we have developed..
... for example my friend's wife's best friend's husband has three of our RaceDay bags.
How cool is that?
So, here's the deal.
Since you passed the test,
since you know me.
Use this code, TNX24, to save 20%.
It is only good through the 29th of November 2024.
Yes, I know it's not a mind blowing discount, but you know...
... we make our bags and apparel right here in the USA.
Quality.
===
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-555am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS SO OVER THE TOP
DO SOMETHING ENOUGH TIMES and we start to pick up on the littlest things. Trust me, I've done this twisty country road decent at least 1000 times, when it comes to going fast...
... the littlest things matter.
On Tuesday, I hit 46.2 mph.
Not bad.
Not my best.
The PR is 50.2 mph.
A few of the little things...
√ Aero helmet
√ Tight tuck
√ Winter blubber
√ Fast wheels
... I had most of it right for top speed.
But, there was one massive ingredient.
It's not enough to make it to the top...
... gotta be sprinting past the goal to reach escape velocity.
===
166 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (930-530am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SLOWVEMBER, DEEPSLUMBER AND JAMUARY
IT'S MORE THAN OKAY TO CELEBRATE the holidays. In fact, it's mandatory. Will we sneak out for a turkey trot or social ride? Heckyes! Will we pile on the food?...
... it'd be a shame not to.
Nothing better than the 3 F's...
- Food
- Family
- Friends
... for our slow-thudding hearts.
Bring on Deepslumber...
- More parties
- more events
- less time
... soak it up.
Jamuary will soon be to the rescue.
It's so dang easy to get carried away and spend the entire first quarter trying to...
... undo what we done did.
Honest question,
asking for a friend...
... you planning to wake up on 1.1.25 ready to jam?
===
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:30-5am)
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A PAIR OF 45s MADE ME OPEN MY EYES!
LEAVE IT TO HOLLIES to set things right. I'm not sure when it heppened, but it's pretty dawgawn clear my sprint is dead and...
... we gotta do some resurrectin'.
A veil of dust and yuck has been yanked open.
I couldn't put my finger on it,
but on today's MTB ride I could sense it.
Something I love, is missing.
The shackles of endurance were weighing me down...
... the chains getting longer and heavier.
It's my sprint, my freakin' sprint.I used to love to sprint...
... not the fastest, but cagey and wiley.
That was it.
Somehow, the singular focus on long endurance races had killed the speeding spirit...
- That fire.
- The angst.
- Thunder and lightning
... slumbered like a middle-earth Tolkien forest.
Doing the dishes an old tune came into my mind...
... What's the name of that?
Next thing I know, Long Tall Woman...
... is cranked up to 11.
Dishes, instantly done..
I'm jamming, alternating between...
- Squats
- PullUps
- PushUps
- Bent Rows, BENT ROWS!!!
... reactivating those muskulls.
Can't freakin' wait to get on my bike, and sprint!
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10:15-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats Rows
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PUTTING A RACING SUPERPOWER TO GOOD USE
RACE LONG ENOUGH, and you can eye a competitor and know, pretty quickly, if they are suffering. And, if we're feeling good...
... this is when we pounce to distance ourselves.
But, should we,
always?
Some of the tells are...
- heavy breathing
- sloppy form
- hanging on
... they are mostly easy to note.
Though there can be fakery...
... for the worse and the better.
But, what about out of competition?
Can we use this highly-honed superpower for good...
... when neighbors, friends and family are struggling?
Even faking All is well.
Rather than pounce...
... can we embrace and lift up?
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10-6:30am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SEXIEST HELMET HACK EVER?
IT'S NOT OFTEN someone eyes us over and says we look sexy all kitted up. Maybe that's why it worked this time, 'cause there I was with my helmet on, and she said...
... you look sexy!
It never would have happened if I wasn't...
... on my way to my new sexy helmet hack.
When I get home...
- I put away the bike
- stow the shoes and glasses
- strip and head to the shower
... head into the house.
So there I was...
... buck naked.
Helmet on my head.
Normally, this would merit a head shake.
Another silly idea.
Here me out.
Step into the shower post ride and pop out...
... helmet and body, fresh as can be.
===
Do you think it has anything to do with penning in Date Night on the RaceDay Calendar?
Right now, the miracle working deal includes...
- the Calendar
- the Annual Plan Masterclass
- plus, one month of the Be True & Rip Alliance
... a magical way to rule the year.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/giant-raceday-calendar-2025-bundle
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10-5:50am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
Right now, the Giant calendar includes...
- the Calendar
- the Annual Plan Masterclass
- plus, one month of the Be True & Rip Alliance
... a magical way to bring on the year.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/giant-raceday-calendar-2025-bundle
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45-6:30am)
PullUps, PushUps
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME
Oct 08, 2022 TODD BROWN
I MADE A BIG MISTAKE TODAY, one I hope you'll avoid. The consequences could have been lifechanging...
... I got lucky.
85 miles into my ride, including a blistering 90 minutes with the local hot shots, I turned onto a very lightly traveled bike trail.
It's somewhat skinny.
Poorly maintained.
Very twisty.
It's also up and down some steep pitches, and it's nice to carry momentum...
... which is what I was doing.
On a blind turn, my innervoice yelling Don't cross that line...
... I just couldn't resist.
My speed was high, my trajectory perfect, and c'mon...
... nobody is ever out here.
But, there he was.
A surfer and board on an ebike.
Me, 10" into the his side of the narrow trail...
... about 30mph.
Shifffffffft!
He turned right,
I clamped on the brakes,
Rear end locked and I counter steered,
The curb to my right was coming up too fast,
No longer skidding, leaning hard left away from the gutter,
I slid in for a relatively soft landing in the dry and clumpy dirt.
A cool and caring kid, he turned around.
Hey man, you okay?
Yeah, I think so. How fast were you going?
Not that fast, you were on the wrong side.
I know, I'm sorry.
No worries.
I've ridden that trail manymanymany times, and always been respectful of the blind turns no matter how much I wanted to coast up the next steep pitch.
Not today.
I was greedy.
And veryveryvery fortunate.
Another, of 1000s, lesson learned.
- Obey the innervoice
- Never trust a blind turn
- Neverever cross that line
Phew!
How was your ride?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I was so very grateful I had on my superlight fullfinger race gloves...
... even in 80 degree weather, my hands are cool and protected.
We have lot of colors in stock.
And, it's Buy One Get One... no promo code need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
162
7.2 hrs
16.9% b.f.
60.7% h2o
0 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
SHIFT JUST TAKES TIME
Oct 06, 2022 TODD BROWN
THIS MORNING WAS ONE OF THE BEST DAYS I'VE HAD on my paddle board, and it reminded me of something I often forget...
... especially when with newer riders.
I harkened back to the crusty crank I met a million years ago at the local bike shop, when I was just starting out, full of enthusiasm...
... It takes 3 years to know what kind of racer you are!
Today, the waves were decent size, the water glassy, the crowd small...
... and I caught a bunch of fun rides.
Sure enough, it took me 3 years to do that.
To unlearn prone surfing, figure out how to paddle and balance standing up, get the right size board and trim my paddle height to match my body and style, find the right beach break, learn the best tides...
... it just takes time.
Sound familiar?
Learn how to pedal properly, figure out how to handle the bike, get a pro bike fit and top notch bike, find the races that suit us, train with the best riders...
... it's worth it, if you want to master something.
Time + Effort = Excellence
We can reduce the time via good coaching and caring mentors...
... sometimes I forget that too.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
It took me years to figure this out, are you ready for the challenge?
It's awesome, and free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
162,2 lbs
16.9%
60.7%
8 hrs
3 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE CULTURE AND REPUTATION REVOLUTION
Oct 05, 2022 TODD BROWN
AROUND THESE PARTS there are long standing group rides. Some have been going for nearly 70 years and are named after streets that no longer exist...
... but the culture continues.
Isn't that amazing!
Wanna know how it works? Apply to a club you are forming? Business you are starting?
I was thinking about this today on spin down to meet the Swami's Wednesday Worlds, a ride I discovered back in '86 while living in San Diego.
The guys that put it together were the best racers in the county.
Road racers like the legendary Olympian John Howard and coach Arnie Baker.
The inventors of triathlon: Scott Tinley, Scott Molina, Mark Allen.
They're long gone from the scene.
But, the tone they set continues to blast up and down the coast every Wednesday 40 years later.
They built a culture of ripping each others legs off.
If you couldn't keep up, too bad.
Get better.
That culture created a reputation that expanded throughout Southern California. If you wanted to test yourself, get down to Swami's Wednesday or Saturday ride.
Which is what I was doing this morning.
A reputation like that becomes a huge magnet for kindred and fierce spirits. As more people joined in...
... the culture got stronger.
That's a virtuous revolution:
- Strong, defined culture
- Creates reputation beyond the core group
- Brining in more participants
- Creating a stronger culture.
It starts with culture.
It's maintained with consistency.
For group rides,
that means starting at the same time, at the same place,
and having rules
like waiting for the dropped or not waiting,
riding an insane pace or only recovery.
I've applied, and continue to apply, those principles starting my own group rides, raising our family, running a business.
Just another lesson I learned riding my bike.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
If you're into learning stuff, check the RaceDay Ready Challenge
It's awesome, and free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
161.6 lbs
17.8%
60%
7ish hrs
3 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
TELL ME ALL YOUR THOUGHTS ON FOOD
Oct 04, 2022 TODD BROWN
FOOD, MAN I LOVE GOOD FOOD. On the bike, off the bike, wherever and whenever, if it's good count me in. But, I always struggle with...
... how much and how often.
On the way home for a legripping ride today I was feeling great, and I think it's for two reasons:
- I got to bed early enough to get the min. 7 hours of sleep (5am wake up)
- I ate a lot and often
So how much food to fuel 60 miles, 4700' of vert and an average pace of 19mph?
- 2 bottles with 240 calories (Skratch: 2 scoops of Hydration and 2 of Superfuel
- 2 Honey Stinger Waffles
That's 800 calories.
The warm up is a pretty easy 50ish minutes of zone 1 and 2, 1000' of vert.
The ride, well, it can be brutal.
Often, I'll cruise the 27 miles home because I'm smoked. But, today was a test and it showed that eating a lot more allows me to keep a good pace for the entire distance.
Truth is, I think I should have eaten the 3rd waffle in my pocket.
Shooting for 400 cal/hour when the pace is high.
What about off the bike?
A few do's and don'ts
- Don't get hungry
- Do eat fewer, bigger meals
- Fast occasionally
- Do eat more protein
- Do eat or pound a recovery drink right after
That's it for now.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
For a recovery drink, I'm liking 3 scoops of the chocolate Skratch.
Use promo code BESTTHINGS to save 25%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
161.8 lbs
17.7%
60%
7ish hrs
1 strength rotation
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
A HARD RACE IS GOOD TO FIND
Oct 03, 2022 TODD BROWN
WELL, I WENT AND DID IT. I signed up for the Belgian Waffle Ride. I now have 6 months to figure out how to race a gravel bike for 8 hours over 130 miles and 11,000' of vert ...
... my palms are sweating.
There is so much power to found in a hard race.
1 Deadline X Insane Challenges X Massive Distance = Become Better
BWR has a reputation of humiliating the toughest racers.
The Waffle version.
I did the Wafer in Utah last year. Had a blast. Finished 5th overall, but the promoter doesn't care about the Wafer. Rightly so. It's about half the distance, with the hardest features missing...
... he knows forcing us to our limits will give us the biggest rewards.
Why am I doing the Waffle version?
- For the challenge
- To find out what's possible
- To bump gloves with my fellow soul riders
I say Soul Riders because only a handful harbor any fantasies about winning...
... the rest of us are in for the adventure.
131.7-miles / 212-Kilometers
~11,000 feet of climbing
10 categorized climbs
Steepest grade of 23%
19 off-road sectors / 50-miles worth
3 KOM Sectors
3 KOS Sectors
3 KOD Sectors
9 Feed Zones
Water crossings
Yeah, it'll be kinda hard.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Have you started to fill out your Giant RaceDay Calendar™...
... which has the week starting on Monday, and Saturday and Sunday at end of week because that's how racers view their weeks.
You know we can make these in your team colors, just go here.
The calendar ships free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
162.4 lbs
17.5%
60.2%
8 hrs
2 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST THING I'VE EVER DONE ON A BIKE
Oct 02, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'VE DONE A LOT OF THINGS ON A BIKE, some are pretty cool, but one stands above the all...
... and it never gets old.
I starts with getting a friend out on a ride,
could be a sibling, neighbor, child, parent, lover.
Next is teaching them everything I know. Not everything there is to know, but everything know.
Finally, and the best part, is when that friends goes far beyond anywhere I've been: faster, further, and much more accomplished.
Nothing better.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
One thing is getting them up to speed on nutrition.
Use promo code BESTTHINGS to save 25%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
162.2 lbs
17.8%
60.2%
8.5 hrs
0 strength rotation
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
A WEIRD WEIGHTLOSS BREAKTHROUGH
Oct 01, 2022 TODD BROWN
HONESTLY, I THINK THIS WHOLE WEIRD BREAKTHROUGH is the result of watching Remco dominate the Vuelta. At 5'5" and 140 lbs, he is a thick, powerful muscle vs most waifs at the top. What does that have to do with the jumbo gentleman at the concert last night...
... who was sitting on a low wall and kept standing?
Up down,
up down.
Essentially, Jumbo Gent was doing squats.
I might call them air squats, but this dude was heavy. I was once a lot heavier, not this heavy, but I get it.
While Stevie Nicks belted Stop Dragging My Hear Around, I imagined doing squats all day with 50 or 75 or 100 lbs on my back...
... or more.
My legs would be cooked.
But, they weren't ever cooked back then, and near as I could tell JG wasn't gonna wake up this morning regretting a massive squat day either.
Suddenly, my own practice of doing daily squats with weight might made a lot more sense. The daily practice builds muscle, doesn't take but a few minutes...
... and results in more strength.
Standing on my fancy Garmin scale this morning, I noted I am up a few pounds since August, which was when I got back into my strength routines, but that my percentage of body fat has remained steady.
In fact, it's down a bit.
Tying it all together, what if instead of focusing on weighing less...
... we shifted our goal to lowering our percentage of body fat?
Remcos in the making?
It sure puts food choices in an entirely different light,
along with regular strength training.
Will this spike my sugar and convert to fat?
Does this contain protein?
Do a quick set.
Make time.
Something to think about as we head into the heavy season of candy, turkey and glutony...
... we become what we eat, and do.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
No matter how sexy we get, it's still a good idea to cover up when changing...
... which is why we have the awesome changing poncho.
Get an InStock design...
... or one in your team colors.
Use promo code LEAN to save 20% on InStock designs.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
162 lbs
17.5%
60.2%
8 hrs
1 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT KIPCHOGE
Sep 30, 2022 TODD BROWN
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE KENYAN SHUFFLE? It's not a dance move, and has nothing to do with cycling...
... but, everything to do with training.
If you watch the shuffle here you'll see the fastest runners in the world shuffling, barely running, for much of their training.
Need validation?
Euclid Kipchoge is without question the king of marathon...
... the only person to ever run a marathon under 2 hours.
You can read about the intensity of his training here in this detailed and wellwritten article.
For the gazillionth time.
... you can't ride hard enough, if most of your riding isn't easy enough.
Ride easy,
Ride hard,
Race FAST!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Most of the time, my hard days are Tuesday and Saturday, and I'll often block out on The Giant RaceDay Calendar™...
... which has the week starting on Monday, and Saturday and Sunday at end of week because that's how racers view their weeks.
You know we can make these in your team colors, just go here.
The calendar ships free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
162 lbs
17.5%
60.2%
8 hrs
1 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST LEGAL PERFORMANCE ENHANCER
Sep 29, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY I'VE FOUND to achieve maximum performance. It's not a drug, or a training regimen, or food strategy, or more rest, or anything else you can think of...
... but, oh boy!, does it work.
It's more than a deadline, more than vengeance.
For me, it's all the above and it starts working the moment I throw down some cash...
... and register for a race.
Not just any race.
An A race.
That's when all of the above, and a whole bunch more, combines into what is essentially...
... the best legal performance enhancer available.
Which is why when it comes to A races I like
- At least 1 per year
- No more than 3 per year
For me, I've gotta have at least 1 per year to keep my overall fitness and no more than 3 to keep from burning out.
This year, it was two A events. Leadville and the SurfNSummit. One down, one to go.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
I can hardly wait to pick one or two or three out for next year...
... and start building around them on The Giant RaceDay Calendar™.
How about you?
Got plans yet?
The calendar ships free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
161.4 lbs
17.2%
60.4%
8 hrs
1 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE READ ON BIKE HANDLING
Sep 28, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE BEST BOOK I EVER READ ON BIKE HANDLING, was a book on archery, written 74 years go, by a German, in Japan...
... just after WWII.
How can that be?
What, a German doing business in Japan a couple of years after the big one?
Or, a book on archery teaching bike handling?
Well, I'll tell you as briefly as I dare.
The German, was young and fit, and very proficient at using a compound bow...
... you know, the kind that have all the leverage to make pulling back easy.
He went to shoot with old monks, seemingly too old and feeble to shoot at all...
... let alone a massive long bow.
How could these small, ancient men pull back a bow so easily and shoot with such accuracy...
... when he could barely pull a long bow back at all.
The answer lay in the muscles used...
... and being relaxed.
For example, the triceps of the arm pulling back was loose and flaccid. Not tense. Not being used.
The monks engaged only the muscles necessary to pull back the bow...
... every other muscle was at rest.
What does that have to do with bike handling?
Everything.
What does it take to slow your bike?
Two fingers.
To hold your handle bars?
Two hands.
To pedal seated?
Legs, butt, core.
It took me a long time to learn to stay relaxed in all conditions...
to hold onto the bars with my hands while my arms are loose and relaxed,
to brake with 1 finger on each lever, without clinching every other muscle,
to pedal seated, uphill, while my upper body is calm,
to breathe easy vs holding my breath if it got scary,
... you feel me?
Can't say enough about the book. I've read it may times over the years. It is short, concise, beautiful...
... and taught me ton about holding onto things.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
Ripping the local trails today, while holding on loosely to the bars...
... I realized my cleat needed adjusting.
Thankfully, I had a minitool stored in my Mini RaceDay Bag™.
You'd never know it though because this little bag is made from innertube and keeps everything...
... snug and quiet.
Use promo code ZEN to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
---
1614 lbs
17.4%
60.4%
8 hrs
2 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
I GOTTA STOP SMOKIN'
Sep 27, 2022 TODD BROWN
AFTER GETTING WHACKED BY THE SHOWOFFS on our local group ride, I limped home. Tail between my bibs. Work was impossible. I took a phone call...
... a raspy, tired smoker.
That's what happens when you gasp and gulp air as quickly as possible...
... you sound like you been smokin'.
I was smoked.
It wasn't that the overall speed was outrageous.
Didn't even get one single PR.
The Old Diesel was smoked by showoffs relentlessly attacking...
Attack
Attack
Attack
... and attack some more.
The problem is, I love that shift...
... ain't quitting the habit any time soon.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tmwc
It was especially saucy today because the word is out...
... our unOFFICIAL world championships is going down in 3 week.
If you're local, come join us for a quick morning smoke.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tmwc
161.6 lbs
17.1%
60.2%
7 hrs
1 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY I'M RIDING LONGER RIDES
Sep 26, 2022 TODD BROWN
ARE YOU ADDICTED TO GLASS? Is it tough to tear away from the computer screen, the phone, the watch, the TV...
... do you have a problem?
I do.
And, working from home hasn't helped.
It's worse.
The antidote, for me, is outside.
- on the bike
- in the water
- on the sand
Anything to break my addiction.
There are a few tricks to take advantage of this increased time.
1. Nevereverever bring headphones. Bring the phone if you must. But, only to take pics and pay for things.
2. Bring a friend. It's good to be physically connected for our social lives and having a friend to talk to will ensures I keep the pace conversational.
3. Keep the pace easy. Zone 1, Zone 2. This allows me to soak up my surroundings, to notice all the beauty in the real world.
And for Pete's sake (poor Pete), train outside as much as possible...
... on your bike,
... in the position you race in.
Consider this shameful admission a public service announcement. If not for you...
... for some poor, lost and drifting soul like me.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-marble-gear
When you go out, go out in style... PS I goofed, see below.
If you like it here's a promo code to save 20%, RETAILRACERS ...
... I goofed on the code the other day, it works now.
Expires 9/30.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-marble-gear
---
161.6
7 hrs
2 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
THE POWER OF A GOOD GRUDGE
Sep 25, 2022 TODD BROWN
FEW THINGS ARE AS POWERFUL AS FEELING SLIGHTED. All great coaches know this, so do the bad ones...
... grudges are powerful.
How do us racers harness that?
Just watch Remco Evenepoel. You think he didn't have payback on his mind at the Vuelta...
... or today at the World's?
I've harbored my own grudges and gained surprising power.
Most, nearly all, are manufactured and made up nonsense. Stories I tell myself of being dissed by so and so...
... that just fire me up.
But, that's the danger with a grudge.
We do get fired up, and in the heat of the moment we say and do things we end up regretting.
Real grudges are for losers.
They are silent killers, cancers festering and ultimate destroying our powers and abilities to perform at all levels.
Fake grudges are for winners.
Fun stories we make up and...
... tack on the bulletin boards of our minds.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I don't put on boxing gloves...
... but, I do love these superlight race gloves
We have lot of colors in stock.
And, it's Buy One Get One... no promo code need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
161.6
8 hrs
0 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
RIPPING ON A BIKE WITH NO NAME
Sep 24, 2022 TODD BROWN
IS THE HAYDAY OF RACE TEAMS GONE? Sometimes I wonder. Used to be you showed up to a group ride and the one weirdo wore off the rack clothing, while the cool cats...
... sported their team colors.
Not any more.
The hitters on today's ride were not only riding in retail clothes, but they were ripping it up, and here's the problem...
... you can't tell who's f'real.
And it gets worse.
Not only is everybody incognito...
... most of these demons don't even race.
So,
- no team colors
- no resume
- no bs
I like it,
and I don't like it.
I like seeing fresh colors and palettes,
I don't like not knowing who's gonna make it hurt.
After a few miles, things sorted out and it was easy to spot the players. But, how to identify them if not by team kit? I resorted to
- Beard
- Too tall
- Skinny tall
- Young asian
- Hairy blond kid
- Matchy couple
- ... and Hulk
Got a better idea?
Do you like the trend?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-marble-gear
How about this look?
If you like it here's a promo code to save 20%, RETAILRACERS ...
... code will expire Sunday, 9/25 at midnight.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-marble-gear
---
160.7
7 hrs
0 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
FAKE NEWS YOU CAN TRUST
Sep 23, 2022 TODD BROWN
PERSONALLY, I LOVE FAKE NEWS. And, I love creating fake news. It's just so dang fun...
... to fake people out.
Let me give you an example of the kind of diabolical nonsense I'm capable of.
First, there's the immediate and sensational news.
This I like during a race, a road race, where the action is shoulder to shoulder. We can hear each other breathing, see how we're holding up. This is a perfect time for some fake news like:
- Faking I'm tire, gassed, can't pull through... when I'm feeling strong like bull.
- Faking I'm fresh, crazy fit... when I'm barely hanging on.
Then, there's the long game.
The great Bobby Fisher did something for 10 years before battling the Russians in chess. Don't hold me to it, but it was something like playing left handed and then all of the sudden playing right handed. It was so outrageous, if that was it, that it through them off their game and he became World Champion.
Here are a few I've pulled over the years:
- Purposely losing or getting dropped in races and rides leading up to the A race.
- Secretly training and not posting online.
- Training and racing on a markedly slower bike, then I race on.
Of course, that was long ago.
I'd never do that now.
But, you might...
... it's the kinda thing that can score a win, when brute force isn't enough.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
I'm more into PRs...
... no need to worry about me
Use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
---
161ish
7 hrs
1 Strength Rotation
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
ONE THING I WISH I WOULD HAVE STARTED SOONER
Sep 22, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT TELL ME THEY ARE GOING TO START riding or lifting or the 10-Week Challenge is astounding to me, because they almost always have a reason to postpone. I get it, there is a lot to do in life, but...
... there is one thing I wish I would have started a lot sooner.
Because it gives huge benefits and takes little time, when done correctly.
- Posture
- Strength
- Confidence
- Ankle mobility
- and more
Strength work is gold.
And yeah, my ankles are firing again.
I notice a lot more action in my ankles when pedaling, and walking. It happened a few weeks after I added calf raises and it's cousin toe raises. All of the sudden, I'm pedaling like a kid again...
... especially out of the saddle.
There are all kinds of reasons to start a strength routine NOW...
... but, the biggest is you're gonna wish you started sooner.
I do.
If you don't know where to start, take my 10-Week Challenge. I layout a solid routine anybody can get going on...
... you can do anything for 10-weeks.
Plus, you probably establish new, lifechanging habits.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
It's free.
Get going!
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
161 lbs
17.3%
60.4%
7.7 hrs
3 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE 100' RULE
Sep 21, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS TO CALCULATE HOW TOUGH A RIDE IS compared to other rides. One of my favorites is the one I use to determine if it was flat, rolling, climbing day, or worse...
... horrendous and hillacious amount of vert.
Sometimes, some routes seem really climby and they're not.
Other days, it feels like all we did was climb and we didn't.
I was thinking about my rule while riding my topsecret XC training loop - you can check it on Strava.
Here's my rule:
- 100'/mile or more is a climbing route/course.
Anything less, is rolling or flat.
I logged 19ish miles and 3600ish feet of vert this afternoon...
... almost 2x my rule.
Why is that important?
Because when I am looking at an upcoming race or ride or route, I can quickly see the amount of vert per mile and then get an idea of how rough it's gonna be it's always good to drill deeper and...
... see if the climbs are stacked or spread out.
But, that's my rule.
Check out your next couple of rides or your last couple.
Watch that ratio.
Let me know if you have a different rule.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
I'll use it as I start to look at next year's events I'm considering.
Yep, it's time for a new Giant Wall Callendar...
... so I can see everything all at once.
With Saturday and Sunday at the end of week...
... to grasp the race weekends.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
160.9 lbs
17.5%
60.2%
8 hrs
2 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Sep 20, 2022 TODD BROWN
HEY, WE SHOULD STOP AND GET A BREAKFAST CONE. For sure. I'm jonesing for a Vanilla Bacon or a Chorizo Chocolate...
... such is the conversation as we return from our early morning leg ripper.
We didn't get the ice cream cones.
They don't exist, yet.
But, it got me thinking of how we take our loads off...
... because nobody can see what we are really carrying up the climbs.
- One young feller has 6 kids, a serious volunteer commitment and a bigboy corporate lawyer job.
- Another is struggling to keep his financial head above water.
- Then there's the cat who has it all together, but who's bestie is in a serious battle with cancer.
Sometimes that wheelsucking...
... is just lifesucking.
Which is why we keep our leg ripping rides regular, hard, and mostly social.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
We don't have secret handshakes, but we do have some snappy gloves with matching socks.
Which you can buy one pair, and get the second pair free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
161.1 lbs
17.5%
60.2%
7 hrs
1 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS ONE THING WILL KILL YOUR TRAINING PLANS
Sep 19, 2022 TODD BROWN
TOMORROW I HAVE A HARD TRAINING RIDE PLANNED. It's already kinda bugging me, to the point I'm already thinking of excuses to put it off...
... so I'll have to make one very important decision.
A yes, and everything will fall into place and be easy.
A no, will be even easier.
A maybe...
When it's time to go, all I really need to do is put on my HR monitor...
... after that,
bibs
jersey
socks
shoes
gloves
helmet
glasses
... go on easy, and I'm out the door.
Once, I'm out the door...
... it's on!
If it's a no, I can go back to bed.
If it's a maybe,
if I'm foggy,
If I'm slow...
the time will pass,
I'll miss the workout,
and won't be able to go back to sleep.
Yes is good.
No is kinda good.
Maybe is definitely death.
To make it easier, I'll lay all my gear out and ready to go before I go to sleep...
... HR monitor, on top.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
Which means my Mini RaceDay Bag™ will be on my road bike, ready to go...
- a nozzle
- 2 cannisters
- a mini tool
- dynaplug darts
Use promo code HATELOVE to save 20% on the bag and darts.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
---
160. lbs
17.7%
60%
8 hrs
2 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
I HATE RACING. I LOVE RACING.
Sep 18, 2022 TODD BROWN
RACING FOR ME IS A LOVEHATE RELATIONSHIP. I hate racing, everything about it. I love racing...
... everything about it.
I hate racing because it constrains my time
I love racing because there's a deadline.
I hate what competing brings out in me,
I love what competition brings out in me.
I hate feeling I could have done better.
I love knowing I left it all on the course.
I hate saying no to cake,
I love the feeling of a healthy body.
I hate paying to race,
I love the commitment when I lay down the cash.
I hate going to bed early,
I love waking up early to get it all done.
I hate the expense of a race bike,
I love the precise feeling of a race bike.
I hate lifting weights,
I love feeling strong.
I hate mechanical failure,
I love that I can now fix most racing mechanicals quickly.
I hate racers who take it seriously,
I love racers who take it seriously and show me what's possible.
I hate losing,
I love learning from my losses.
and...
I hate admitting all this,
I love that you can relate to most (all?) of it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
Racing or not, the mini RaceDay Bag™ is perrrrrrrrfect for carrying just what I need:
- a nozzle
- 2 cannisters
- a mini tool
- dynaplug darts
Use promo code HATELOVE to save 20% on the bag and darts.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
---
161.6 lbs
17.7%
60.1%
7.5 hrs
0 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
SMALL CHANGES FOR BIG RESULTS
Sep 17, 2022 TODD BROWN
ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO, I got back into bike racing and started having success after a few years by implementing a series of small changes. They were discoveries...
... it took time.
It always takes time, and a lot more than we want it to take.
Here are a few of the small changes
- No bread
- No sugar
- No soda
Not all at once, over years.
Little by little.
The good news, for racers, is that most competitors
- Try to do it all at once, get frustrated and quit
- Quit before they figure it out
- Are just lazy
Make small changes,
keep moving,
don't quit.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
You can find the rest of my small changes here.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
---
160.9 lbs
17%
60.6%
7.5 hrs
0 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE CHAMPIONS... OF THE WORLD.
Sep 16, 2022 TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND DAVE IS COMPETING in the UCI World Championships. Yep, he made the team. He's already there, and posting pictures and...
... we're expecting big things from our local boy.
Not in Australia, with the Pros.
Trento.
Italy.
With the age groupers.
There are all kinds of World Championships.
All kinds
Pro.
Amateur.
... and my favorite, TMWC.
Yes, the most important championship in these parts...
... the Tuesday Morning World Championships.
You might think you have something similar in your area, but does yours have
- A 19th annual showdown?
- Awards?
- Ca$h?
If it doesn't, why not?
Have some fun.
We do.
Past champions include Pro Tour DSM athlete Kevin Vermaerke... he was like 15. Plus Andrew Vollmer and other youngster who went to pro contracts.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/unofficial-tmwc-2022-19th-year
It's free, unless. you want the SuperTech T
If you do, use this promo code: TMWC22
If want do something like this for your ride, I gotta guy.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/unofficial-tmwc-2022-19th-year
HOW BAD WAS THAT RACE?
Sep 15, 2022 TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT RACING, is the not knowing. Not knowing who is going to show up, what teams will be there, how the weather will be, how I'll be...
... the further out the race the more mystery involved.
As it closer, somethings are more clear but there's always a big question...
... will it all go well?
Hopefully, yes.
But, shift does happen.
When it does, it's easy to get derailled,
want to quit,
give up.
By labeling it bad, is bad.
doesn't help at all,
makes it worse.
Now, when things don't go according to plans I have supercharge for good:
- This will make for a much better story
- I won't make that mistake again.
- That saved from something
I got a million responses...
... they're rarely bad.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
The bigger the ride, the more possibilities for better stores.
We're gonna have some doozies after this...
... registration closes 9/18.
The adventure of the year for us...
... are you coming?
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
159.9 lbs
17.6%
60.1%
7.5 hrs
2 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
BUT, WOULD YOU DO IT?
Sep 14, 2022 TODD BROWN
OUT AND ABOUT ON THE TRAILS TONIGHT, I came across two young lads. I'd followed them up the easy route, back to the top. As I closed in...
... I could see they had stopped to look at something.
Their heads were perched above the grass, and I could tell they were investigating something.
What could it be?
Dead animal?
Fallen rider?
Oh, I see.
You guys gonna ride that?
Well, you could take this line but it's a little rutted out from the rain.
You gonna ride it?
I think it would be better over on the left.
Are you gonna ride it?
If I do it, I'll def drop in slow and land to the side before I try and hit the huge step up.
Are you gonna ride it?
Oh, no way man. We're just checking it out.
I know that feeling.
Vertical entry for first 30 feet, another 60 slightly less steep, then straight up the other side into the air, hoping you clear the 20' gap to the landing that is 10' higher than the top of the jump.
I don't actually know the feeling of jumping something like that, but I'm very familiar with analyzing the crud out of something well beyond my capabilities and...
... simply living with the thought, What would the be like?
Makes my hands sweat just thinking about a jump like that.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Just another reason to wear these superlight race gloves, with real leather palms.
I wear 'em year round, rain or shine, hot or cold.
You can wear 2 pair for the price of one.
Just add to your shopping cart and the discount will be automatically applied.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
159.8 lbs
17.7%
60.8%
7 hrs
1 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BIGGEST TEMPTATION
Sep 13, 2022 TODD BROWN
MY SEASON IS OFFICIALLY OVER and I'm facing the biggest temptation. It's one that could ruin everything next year. It's not that delicious chocolate twist I ate last Friday...
... something far worse and sinister.
You, of course, are far wiser and more disciplined.
I'm trying to be...
... my friends aren't helping at all.
Todd, you're so fit right now let's go do Barnburner.
Can't.
Bro, Masters Crit Champs this weekend. You're going right?
Negative.
Grizzly 100 is coming up, you're gonna slay it.
Nope.
Those are pretty easy to say no to.
- They cost money
- Involve travel
But, it's never the big temptation that gets ya.
The Devil leads ya slowly down to hell...
... one pedal stroke at a time.
It's the group rides, that can get carried away,
and the months away race where I want redemption, that can make we want to train,
or a PR I wanna get after one more time.
These little innocent efforts can add up and instead of rolling into 2023 chomping at the bit like the thoroughbreds we are...
... we could up old nags searching for the oat bag.
The difference between excellence and prettydarngood, in my opinion, is how fresh we are...
... not just physically, but mentally.
As the great Bon Scot said...
... It's a long way to the top, if ya wanna rock n roll.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™
Part of getting to the top is mental, a big part.
Gotta stay fresh and organized so as not to waste any mental bandwidth.
Did you know we have Triathlon Specific RaceDay Bags™?...
... talk about a group with a lot of gear.
The pockets are specially marked for out Tri brothers and sisters.
Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™
---
159.9 lbs
17.6%
60.1%
7.5 hrs
2 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I HAVE AN INHERITANCE PROPOSAL FOR YOU
Sep 12, 2022 TODD BROWN
WOW, I'M SO FLATTERED! I've been waiting my whole life for an offer like this. Finally, all the blogging and vlogging and fbing and youtubing has paid off...
... with an inheritance from Princess Roselinda.
Got the email today!
It is so dawgawn tempting, but if there's one thing I've learned racing and pr-ing...
... we make our own fortune.
Sure, we might inherit some good DNA, but DNA...
... ain't nothing without TNA.
Not that T 'n A, get your mind outta my gutter.
This one...
... Time 'n Aspiration.
Put in the time,
stay focused on what we want.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
Do it in chunks.
I like 10 weeks.
Have you taken the challenge?
It's free, so it's easy to start and quit.
Which you won't do, because you're not a LOOOOOOOOOZER.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
162.1 lbs
16.6%
60.9%
8 hrs
2 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW STRONG DO YOU WANT TO BE?
Sep 11, 2022 TODD BROWN
IT WAS A HARD RIDE, but not insanely hard. We were working hard, but not breathing too hard. It is a ride with a reputation for being hard...
... because the riders are hard.
But, one guy is the hardest of the all.
By far.
When he's there, everybody is very conservative because when he attacks its all most can do to simply hang on...
... the ride is actually easier.
When he's not there, everybody is frisky and feeling like that got a shot...
... making the ride harder.
Which begs the question how strong do you want to be?
Strong enough to sniff the front when the hardest riders are absent or strong enough...
... to dish it out under all conditions.
You gotta risk it, to get the biscuit.
And, lathering up with PR Lotion is a good way to increase the odds of success.
Here's a crazy deal for you nonbelievers
Use this promo code to save 25%: PRsMadeEz
---
163 uh oh
7.5 hrs
0 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
THERE WILL BE FLATS TODAY
Sep 10, 2022 TODD BROWN
JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT, I stumbled into the garage anxious to divert a potential disaster. It was raining for the first time in months and would continue to do so, which meant only one thing...
... there will be flats today!
I unscrewed the valve cores,
poured sealant like chemist,
aired back up.
The first time I messed around with tubeless I felt like I was handling radioactive material. The whole concept...
... was laced with suspicion and superstition.
It took about an hour to do two tires,
last night it took 10 minutes,
tops.
Was it worth it, adding an ounce of sealant?
Yep.
Sprung a leak a half mile from the start of the ride.
Sprayed sealant all over my leg and bike.
Sealed and rode 50 more miles.
No prob.
Meanwhile, I saw multiple guys stopping with flats. Such were the road conditions.
Do I miss tubes?
Nope.
Do I carry tubes?
Nope.
I carry darts and cartridges.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
If the hole is too big, or the sealant is dry...
These are easy to use and work most of the time, unless it's a huge tire slice.
Use promo code: FlatsStink
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
---
161
6 hrs
0 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
IF YOU WANT TO BE THE BEST, YOU MIGHT HAVE TO DO THIS
Sep 09, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A FEW TOPTOPTOP LEVEL PROS who have displayed remarkable crossover talent. They snag gold medals and win big stages...
... it is tempting to think we should do the same.
But, I don't think it's the way to be the absolute best.
It's refreshing to mix in a lot of different styles of riding and racing. It's fun and challenging to mix things up...
... and comes with a cost.
Pidcock raced some road last year and won a Olympic Gold Medal in MTB,
he raced a lot of road this year and finished off the podium at MTB World's.
Van der Poel raced a lot of road last year and was a favorite for Olympic Gold MTB,
he crashed badly in practice and really hasn't been the same since.
Unfortunately, to be the best...
... we might have to be boring.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
You know what's not boring...
... what's really daring?
Nothing says I'm committed like a wallet with your goal on it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
---
160.3
7.5 hrs
0 strength rotation
0 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
PEOPLE I RESPECT
Sep 08, 2022 TODD BROWN
ITS HARD TO EARN RESPECT IN THE PELOTON. If you're new to town, new to sport, clothes aren't cool, body a different shape, helmet askew, legs unshaven...
... there's always gonna be a reason to be disrespected.
I respect the riders and racers who:
- race a challenging category vs the easy win
- back down their pace to keep to their plan
- stop to help fix a flat
- teach others etiquette
- have long range plans
- pull through
- stay in the back when the front is too much
- plan a group adventure
- work on their skills
- fix their own bikes
- ride bikes they can easily afford
- keep the original bike that got them going
- bring enough food
- head up a team
- start a group ride
- help the youth
- teach how to handle a bike
- get up early, stay up late to get it all done
- keep their cool while racing
- hold their line
- pull a straggler up to the group ride
... chase their own PRs.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-over-koms-supertech-t
The thing I like about this shirt is it's only for those who get it...
... outsiders won't get it, but you do.
Use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-over-koms-supertech-t
---
160.2
7.75 hrs
1 strength rotation
25 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
SOME COACHES TALK ABOUT LIMITERS
Sep 07, 2022 TODD BROWN
LIMITERS IN COACHSPEAK are the things we're not great at. If you're not good at sprinting, power to surface area could be a limiter. Not a good climber, power to weight...
... these aren't bad things.
They are just things we have to deal with as racers and people getting after our PRs:
- Gravity
- Aerodynamics
Are two of the biggest.
Don't wish they didn't exist, they are what makes it all so fun and challenging...
... the ultimate rules of the game.
As the great Jim Rohn said...
... Don't wish things were easier, wish you were better.
Of course, sometimes being better is really easy...
... there's no way I would ever show up to a race without PR Lotion.
It's that good.
Here's a crazy deal for you nonbelievers
Use this promo code to save 25%: PRsMadeEz
---
160 lbs.
7/5 hrs
59.5% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU ACCEPT MY CHALLENGE?
Sep 06, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE REASON THE RACEDAY READY 10-WEEK CHALLENGE™ works is simple. It is not a goal. Goals are not the secret sauce, neither are affirmations...
... they've never gotten me to where I want to go.
It took me a long time to figure this out, and I don't want you to waste all that time if you can avoid it.
So, here goes.
The 10- week challenge is all about doing:
- the right activities
- consistently
- over time
That's it.
The goal is to do the work, every day, for 10-weeks.
That we can control.
Winning?
Can't control that.
Can't control the competition.
Can't control the weather pattern.
Can't control countless things on RaceDay...
... but, we can control what we do ever day to get ready.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
I'm starting another round of the challenge myself..
... getting ready for the Surf N Summit.
There's always something on the horizon.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
---
160.2 lbs.
8 hrs
59.6% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU STILL CHEATING?
Sep 05, 2022 TODD BROWN
NOBODY LIKES A CHEAT. But, many of us cheat. Too many. I used to be big into it, regularly cheating because I'd read somewhere it was a good idea...
... to have a cheat day.
That was then, this is now.
One of the takeaways of this summer's epic quest was the value of not having a nutritional cheat day, a day of gluttony, a day zero discipline...
... was taking 4-5 days to drop the gained weight.
Here's what happened when I stopped cheating myself:
- Sugar cravings never activated
- Weight stabilized a few pounds lower
- Not having the slothful feeling from binge eating
A cheat meal,
a dessert,
a treat.
Sure, occasionally.
Like today,
with family and friends...
... better after a good ride or workout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™
Days like today, can be like a triathlon. A ride, a long walk, maybe a swim.
Might have to bust out the TRIATHLON Specific RaceDay Bag™.
The pockets on this bag flow with marking specific for Triathletes...
... one of my favorite new products of '22.
If you have triathlete friends they'll love it, if you have triathletes on your team let me know and we'll add the bag to your team store.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™
---
160 lbs.
8.5 hrs
60% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IS IT OKAY TO LET YOUR FITNESS SLIP?
Sep 04, 2022 TODD BROWN
MY FITNESS IS SLIPPING. This summer, just before my A race I saw an all time high, according to Starva. I had shot it to the moon...
... just in time to taper and rip at the race.
I learned how to do that last summer.
It's a secret combination of workouts, intensity and duration.
They say you can't maintain top fitness year round, and I agree...
... but, not because of the physical demands.
Those are hard, but they are also fun. A lot of fun. It's bike riding for hecksakes.
So, why can't we maintain high fitness year round?
Me personally, it's the mental game.
To balance the secret workouts with running a company and being involved with family and friends takes extreme efficiency.
- No time can be wasted.
- Every second must be planned.
If not, the wheel of life becomes untrue at which point I ask myself...
... what that heck am I doing this for?
So, there you have it. I'm letting my fitness slip a few notches because I want to and...
... I think it's healthier in the long term.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
Which means, more than ever the principles of RaceDay Ready must be adhered to...
... so when I do ramp up the riding, I'm strong like bull.
The second I see my weight creeping up too far, I get right back to obeying the 4 Don'ts of the challenge.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
161.8 lbs. (probably gonna be this week)
8.5 hrs
60.1% Body Water
0 Strength rotation
0 minutes recovery
115 minutes reading + Journaling
RESULTS FROM THE $20 TRIATHLON
Sep 03, 2022 TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES YA JUST GOTTA BEAT UP THE KIDS. Today I won a bet placed 14 years ago. I love betting long range...
... especially when it's with my kids.
It all started after my then 15 y/o son Shane smoked me in a 5k. That bet was for $30...
... each time he lost, the amount we reduced by $1.
It cost me 29 bucks...
... you can't buy entertainment like that.
As we walked home after my beating, I plotted my revenge. It would have to be a long way out, get him past his prime, busy with career and family...
... put us on equal footing.
Well, it went down today.
Trevor, Spencer and Surfergirl joined in.
At precisely 945, we rode out to the local mtb trails. They were all on MTBs, I rode what was left. My gravel bike.
It wasn't close.
Stage 1 goes to Old Diesel.
Stage 2 was at the beach.
A short run up and down the coast followed by a swim out to a buoy and back.
First, I warned the lifeguard that a bunch of yahoos were gonna running then swimming farther out than most...
... You're all good swimmers right?
Yes.
Truth be told, neither Shane or I had swum in years. But, Trevor and Surfergirl we looking forward to the stage. So was the runner, Spencer.
While the kids lit out, the Wile E. Coyote in me set a sensible pace...
... the secret is to be able to breathe when the swim starts.
As I rounded the buoy, everyone was behind but Trevor was gaining fast...
... nooooooooo.
All my planning with zero training was about to sink...
... $20 more dollars to these punks?!
But, ya know it'll be a wet day in helk before before the Old Diesel stops chugging.
The only question now is...
... how long until the grands think they have a shot?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Not only did I give up my racewinning MTB...
... but I shared this goodness to there would be no excuses.
Use promo code FUELMEUP to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
159.4 lbs.
8 hrs
59.9% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU WATCHING THE RETURN?
Sep 02, 2022 TODD BROWN
IMAGINE RIDING YOUR BIKE FOR THREE WEEKS through beautiful country, on ribbon-like roads cascading through glorious mountains, and regularly bouncing down to startling coastlines...
.... would you return?
La Vuelta, translated The Return, is my favorite race to watch and this year is better than ever in terms of viewing and racing action.
Remco should win it.
He looks unbeatable.
Which means, if he does, next summer's Tour de France will be off the charts.
But, that does not explain why I love La Vuelta so much...
... I love it because the riding is more explosive.
Shorter stages
Steeper climbs
Riders with something to prove
When you think about it, that's a great reason to return to a race or race at all...
... prove to yourself, and everybody else, you've got what it takes.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Which is exactly what I'll be doing tomorrow at the showdown...
... aka Brown family triathlon.
Question is, will I share this goodness with my competition?
Use promo code FUELMEUP to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
1588 lbs.
7.5 hrs
59.8% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD WE BE COUNTING CALORIES
Sep 01, 2022 TODD BROWN
A WHILE BACK I WAS RIDING WITH A FRIEND new to the endurance/epic adventure game. He loves it. He's addicted. He's hungry to know more...
... so, I invited for a little 80 miles of gravel.
It was going pretty good at the start.
His handling skills have come along way since our first ride a few years ago
His position on the bike is finally set up by a pro
His bike is in good working order
His fitness is much higher...
... but, two and half hours in he was fading, hurting, dragging.
You eating?
Oh yeah.
How much?
Oh I had oatmeal before I left.
What have you had since then?
Nothing.
Well are you drinking calories?
Oh yeah.
How much?
A scoop of Skratch in each bottle?
And, there's the problem. He's bonking. Not enough calories...
... yes, we should definitely count calories.
Depending on the intensity and the duration I'll do from 0 to 400 calories/hour.
Here's a basic look at what I do:
One hour recover ride,
just water, unless I'm hungry. If I'm hungry I'll grab a handful of nuts or maybe a scoop of Skatch.
Two hour endurance,
for sure a scoop in two bottles, and some food in the pocket in case I get hungry.
If it's race pace,
I'm doing 2-300 for an hour event,
3-400 for 2 hours,
400 for 3+ hours.
We stopped and downed a soda, some chips and he loves Skittles...
... ain't nothing better than sugar when bonking.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Here are some of my go to calories
Use promo code FUELMEUP to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
158.9 lbs.
7.5 hrs
59.9% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW DO YOU SPELL CONFIDENCE?
Aug 31, 2022 TODD BROWN
WHETHER CHASING A PR OR GOING FOR THE RACE WINNING MOVE, it comes down to confidence. Do you believe? A friend told of an epic race and battle that came down to 6" at the finish...
... he finished 6" behind the winner.
Proudly he told me the other day...
... I lost that race because I didn't believe I belonged there.
Imagine that.
Battling for hours
Culling the herd
Not believing...
... not having the confidence to finish it off.
So, here's how I spell confidence...
... P-R-E-P-A-R-A-T-I-O-N.
But, it's more than that because we've got to recognize...
... and remember all the work we've put in.
He's going back to that race soon.
Not only prepared, but confident like a shark among prey...
... I wish I could be there to watch him feed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/all-marble-supertech-t
I'd be wearing one of these killer SuperTech T's...
... they are so good for this time of year.
On and off the bike.
Use promo code TODDSFAVET to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/all-marble-supertech-t
---
159 lbs.
7 hrs
59.7% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
MY KNEE HURTS
Aug 30, 2022 TODD BROWN
I KINKED MY KNEE TONIGHT. Happened during the last sprint of the local leg ripper. It's an out and back, and we set a vicious pace heading out. With a tailwind pushing us...
... it was fast and brutal to hang on.
Pro tip: if you attack into a tail wind, it's hardashell for the chasers to catch because there's not much of a draft to work with.
On the way back, the headwind was akin to getting clubbed in the helmet each time we pulled through...
... and when I say we, I mean the seven or so actually working.
Everyone else was hiding, saving it for the sprint or just shot from the roost down to the turn around.
About a mile to go, things started to take shape.
It would be foolish to be anywhere near the front if one had intentions to sprint.
A half mile to go it's straight as straight can be. A downhill spilling onto the final...
... flat and always fast and always with wind from the left side finish.
Manuevering up to what I figured would be a good position, I was waiting for the front to implode and following last week's winner...
... perfect position.
Except that sneakybastard Rramsey comes flying by...
... pegged to the fence on the right with no way to latch on and get any draft.
Plus, he's going sodang fast!
And, that's where I think the kinking happened...
... because like a dog chasing a car, I just had to give it a shot.
Pray he would fade.
I passed a couple of cats who blew...
... and felt my own blowing coming on.
I should pulled up.
I haven't been sprinting since waywayback in early March.
Which is a problem.
Because if you haven't been sprinting regularly, and you really getting after it on a long one...
... it can really jack you up.
Good thing I have a bike so i can rehab.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
There won't be an sprinting on an adventure like the SurfNSummit...
... riding from San Clemente to Big Bear and back.
130ish miles and 15000ish feet of vert to get there, then recover for a day, and return.
The code below expires on 8/31, are you going to use it?
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 8 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160 lbs.
7.7 hrs
59.8% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST RACES ARE FREE
Aug 29, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE BEST RACES ARE FREE. Well, that's mostly true, at least for me. Because I've had far more fun setting ridiculous challenges for myself than..
... paying to be challenged.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE racing. But, chasing PRs has always been more satisfying to me.
The pay off, of course, is multifaceted.
- The satisfaction
- The confidence
- The fitness
My all time favorite goes back decades to the first time I discovered Harding Truck Trail.
It's a 9 mile gravel road, that climbs 3000'.
My PR is 1:03.
A good time, but not outrageous. Most of my friends have gone faster...
... in fact, most have gone under an hour.
Which was always my goal.
I think that's why I like Harding so much...
... because it's just not my thing.
Because it's not my thing, when I train for it and really focus on long sustained climbing...
... I push way beyond what comes natural to me.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
Another benefit of chasing PRs is always being fit enough to take on an adventure like the SurfNSummit...
... riding from San Clemente to Big Bear and back.
130ish miles and 15000ish feet of vert to get there, then recover for a day, and return.
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 9 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160 lbs.
7.7 hrs
59.8% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW HARD ARE 'A RACES?
Aug 28, 2022 TODD BROWN
IT'S PRETTY FUNNY ISN'T IT? You've just finished your big A race of the year, your friends and family are equally congratulatory and astonished. You just rode your bike farther than manyt have driven in the past 6 months...
... and they think that was hard.
Did you ever consider the shape of the letter A?
Two lines, meeting at the top...
... like us training to meet our destiny.
The line across the middle, that is what nobody else can see: the plateaus, the breakdowns, the illness, the fatigue or the fatigue...
... we blasted through, sometimes patiently, to get to the top.
Yeah, the race was hard.
But, you should have seen what I did to make it happen...
... that was monumentally difficult.
Done right, the A is dessert.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
That's because we have a good grip on our goals...
... like the good grip on our bars with the Superlight Race Gloves.
Have you jumped on the BOGO?
Right now, you can buy gloves and matching socks...
... and the socks are free.
No promo code needed, it's calculated at check out.
Just be sure to put both items in your cart.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
161.8 lbs.
7ish hrs
60.3% Body Water
0 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
But nowhere near how hard we pushed prepping.
INDOCTRINATING A FRIEND INTO MY EVIL WAYS
Aug 27, 2022 TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE FRIENDS AREN'T BLEEDING you're not pushing them hard enough. Really? Well, maybe. But is it really that bad...
... if you're still smiling at the end?
Today I took a friend on a little recon of our SurfNSummit ride.
I bill SurfNSummit as a gravel ride, but it's really a Frankenride:
- Road
- Gravel
- Singletrack
If you can ride a road bike, you can ride a gravel bike on the the road no prob, on gravel slight prob, and on singletrack...
... big prob.
Unless you're an MTBr.
Even then, the skinnish tires, lack of suspension and drop bars take some getting used to.
It's so easy to grab a ton of front brake on dusty, steepish trail...
... go bibs over bars.
Which happened today, with minor abrasions with lotsandlots of dust.
The thing I appreciate about all my friends is their attitude...
... It's only a flesh wound!
Dude, you're bleeding.
I'm ok.
I'm sorry.
Don't be, it was my fault.
Yes, I'm evil...
... I'm gonna push you to the limit, sometimes beyond.
At the 100plusyearold, outoftheway General Store, my scraped up pal called me out on my hypocrisy. Not the...
... We'll take an easy route, one.
Worse, he thought.
I thought you don't drink soda?
I do.
And Reece's Peanut Butter Cups?
Yep.
BBQ chips?
Love 'em
But, you preach against all that.
Not on a 5 hour adventure.
Oh, my Padawans have so much to learn.
On the way back, I really got my hooks into him.
His heart rate was waywayway higher than mine. It was bumming him out. I knew I had him...
... and I pounced.
Are you ready to take your fitness to a new level?
Yes!
Ok, you gotta do my 10-week challenge. Can you handle 10 weeks?
Yeah, I think i need to do it.
It's gonna be hard.
That's okay.
We'll see.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
I hopepray he does it, because I know what it will do for him.
Plus, he's doing the SurfNSummit and donning this sexy jersey...
The ride Frankenride from Dana Point to Big Bear...
... in 10 weeks.
My diabolical drive knows no bounds.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
161 lbs.
7.2 hrs
60.1% Body Water
0 Strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE CLOCK IS TICKING
Aug 26, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE CLOCK IS TICKING, but do you hear it? Probably not, because it's digital. I know I don't hear my stop watch when I'm working my legs over wtih the Hypervolt, 3 minutes per leg until pain subsides...
... that might be part of the problem.
Its easy wind up at the end of the week wondering where the time went?
Didn't get all the work finished.
Didn't get the rides in.
Didn't get it done.
This is gonna hurt some of ya...
... great athletes are great time managers.
Especially, the amateurs.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
It's definitely a focus of RaceDay Ready For Life.
The details aren't final, but you can get a hint of what we'll be working on in '23.
Check it out here:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
158.9 lbs.
7.7 hrs
60.3% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO RUIN YOUR OFF SEASON
Aug 25, 2022 TODD BROWN
IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT THE NEXT TRAINING BLOCK. For a lot of us, the next training block is going to be the offseason. I'm already in it...
... here's how to really screw it up.
- Stop riding
- Give up the spartan diet and gorge baby gorge
- Go back to staying up super late
- Follow that up with caffeine all day long
- Reacquaint yourself with the donut shop crew
- Watch football and eat and drink and sit and sit and sit
- Stop stretching
- Do not go to the gym
- Do not cross train
- Do not run
- Do not hike
- Put all your cycling gear away, out of site.
- Do not think about next season
- Do not set goals for next season
- Do not look at next season's events
- Do not associate with cyclists
- Do not weigh yourself.
- Do not watch bike races
- Do not visit bike sites
- Do not go to bike shops
- Do not go to bike club socials...
- ... and for hecksakes, DO NOT REVIEW THIS PAST YEAR AND THINK OF WHAT YOU COULD HAVE DONE BETTER.
I know, it's a little early...
... but, I wanted to plant the seed just in case you have a moment of weakness.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
One thing I'm doing is planning some adventures, play time.
The prime one being the SurfNSummit...
... riding from San Clemente to Big Bear and back.
130ish miles and 15000ish feet of vert to get there, then recover for a day, and return.
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 9 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
159.8 lbs.
7 hrs
60.6% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DR. PETER ATTIA'S LATEST POST, I DISAGREE
Aug 24, 2022 TODD BROWN
I FOLLOW PETER ATTIA. He's a longevity expert, ex-time trial racer. A good dude, with a good heart, and some good info. But, when I saw the latest post on Overcoming Depression, I had to disagree...
... because I've battled depression.
Oh there's the little things, all my friends are faster and have better bikes. The medium things, work is hardashell and everyone else is making money in their sleep. And the big stuff...
... disharmony at home being chief.
Riding can and does certainly help...
... but, it's not enough.
The very best thing I've found to cure depression...
... is to help someone else.
My friend Todd D carries a bar or bagel or $20 on every ride, and hands out to those in need.
I saw him do this on the Nosco charity ride once.
There we are, ripping in this fantastic paceline heading into a formidable climb...
... and he pulls over.
I pulled up and soft pedaled.
What happened?
I saw a hungry man.
What did you do?
Gave him my food.
I'll never forget that. There was no show, no big announcement...
... just a human helping a human.
Then he told me it's something he is prepared for on every ride...
... and it always lifts his spirits.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
Riding with my friends and being challenged physically is also a go to activity to cure any wo-is-me's...
... and the Surf-N-Summit is sure to be challenging.
That's why the finishers get one of these supertech-t's
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 10 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160.6 lbs.
7 hrs
60% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD I RETURN MY BARS?
Aug 23, 2022 TODD BROWN
WELL, I HAVE SOME NEW BARS. I love 'em. I'm clearly a lot faster. The only problem I'm having is they cost me a lot. So, I'm thinking about returning them, because...
... I'm not sure I can afford them.
In particular, I got really used to weighing less than 160lbs.
Previously, it was a miracle to be under 165.
But, the reason I'm thinking about keeping this bar is...
... I remember when sub-170
... and sub-175
... and sub-180
... and, yes, sub-185
... was challenging.
Truth is, I like my new bars.
Truth is also, now that I'm home and the A race is behind me and I'm in my old haunts that produced the old bars...
... it's hard to hang onto.
Like the squat bar.
It's really dumbbells, but the old bar was 60lbs. Then I ramped up to 60lbs per hand. In fact, I purchased a new set to squat my weight. 80lbs per hand...
... might actually need a bar to go beyond that.
A bar, like these, that I'll keep.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
The bar to get one of these super cool tech t's is pretty high too...
... ride your bike from San Clemente to Big Bear.
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 10 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160.6 lbs.
8 hrs
60% Body Water
1 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T EVER STOP LIFTING WEIGHTS
Aug 22, 2022 TODD BROWN
AFTER TWO WEEKS, I'm back lifting. I cut it way back, then stopped all together a week before my big A race. Then took the following week off. Predictably...
... I'm sore.
And weak.
I shouldn't have stopped, and I won't ever again.
Of my 3 critical moves, here's what I could have done:
- Squats to air squats
- Sets of 25 pushups to one of 5 or 10
- Pullups/Bent rows, reduce quantity or weight
Rather than daily, I could have reduced to 3 days/week.
Starting a strength training program is challenging...
... maintaining strength is much easier.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
Keep training, especially if you have some adventures on the calendar...
... ya gotta be strong.
Otherwise you won't finish...
... check out the SuperTech T finishers of the Surf N Summit will get.
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 10 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160.6 lbs.
7.5 hrs
60% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU'RE NOT GETTING PAID TO RIDE YOUR BIKE YET?
Aug 21, 2022 TODD BROWN
SO, WE'RE NOT GETTING PAID TO RIDE AND RACE OUR BIKES. Then, why do it? Why put so much into it? Because...
... there is a payoff.
We know it, thought we may not be able to identify just what it is.
But, it's there.
For sure.
It's moving meditation we practice,
resulting in better energy,
clearer thinking.
That's the payoff...
... and it makes everything we do better.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
Make it a great week!
And, if you're in need of a major break in your day in day out cycle...
... this ride is gonna be amazing, just based on who's in so far.
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 12 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
161.9 lbs.
7.5 hrs
60.9% Body Water
no weights
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Aug 20, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'D FORGOTTEN THE FANTASTIC FEELING OF A ROAD RACING MACHINE. The effortlessness of a clutchless drivetrain, the suave push through the air, the direct connection from cleat to power...
... roads here are like glass.
It was so easy.
And, so nice to be back with my posse.
Rolling up the coast with an unusual tailwind, all smiles and giggles...
... until we mixed in with the tough roadies from up north.
Then it hit me.
Hard.
Jumpiness, surginess...
... hanging on to the last wheel busting through the sound barrier.
No talking.
Gasping.
Soon, much too soon...
... I was jettisoned.
It's gonna take a while to get the road legs back.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
I'm in no hurry.
No races anytime soon.
Only thing I'm looking forward to is the adventure of the year...
... where we're riding from the coast to the mountains.
Part of which is on an unbelievable 35 mile, protected bike trail from Corona to Redlands.
If you're done racing and looking for a memory you'll share time and time again...
... use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 14 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
161.4 lbs.
7ish hrs
60.5% Body Water
no weights
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW MUCH DID IT COST ME TO SHAVE 18 MINUTES OFF MY PR AT LEADVILLE?
Aug 19, 2022 TODD BROWN
SO, HOW MUCH DID IT COST? After being asked how I did it, how I shaved 18 minutes off my PR, going 7:57, and logging the 3rd fastest time ever for my age group...
... I had to dissect the numbers.
Was it worth it?
Yes.
Definitely a Hellyeah!
If you want the same results, do this:
- Lose 8 lbs (down from my PR in '19 - 20lbs down from '99)
- Double your saddle time (biggest week was 24 hrs ride time)
- Spend an obscene amount of $ on your bike and upgrades
- Lift weights every single day
- Stretch and recover every single day
- Qualify for Silver Corral previous season (start training 18 months out)
- Increase sleep 10-20%
- Eat only whole foods
- No soda
- Refine bike fit with a professional over months
- Purchase second set of race wheels
- Take wife to Mexico for a week of surf
- Use Hypervolt daily
- Remove stresss
- Move to Colorado mountains for the summer
I'm sure I'm missing little things, like Skratch Superfuel, top of the line Fizik shoes, badass Selle Italia saddle...
... but you get the idea.
I left nothing to chance, and it cost 10s of 1000s of $.
I say Hellyeah! to that because I just had to know what I was capable of...
... there is nothing more satisfying than knowing I did my best.
Did it sting to wind up second place?
Not even a little bit.
Sub-8 was the goal.
Competition with others is always a losing game.
There is always somebody better, and I'm always grateful for that...
... because it shows what is possible.
Admittedly, I have been fuming immediately after being beaten on more than one occasion. And, been wanting revenge when the winner is a tool about the victory But that passes quickly. As it should...
... it's always better to be gracious in winning and losing.
Wanna know something crazy?
I have identified two major mistakes, two things I can definitely improve...
... just might have to try it again.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
A minor thing I could have done was get a few massages...
... a good massage is most excellent for recovery.
Which is why the amazing Ivette will be taking care of us on Friday at the Surf N Summit: with massage, Bemer and compression boots.
And, use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 16 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
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159.4 lbs.
8 hrs
60.2% Body Water
no weights
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
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